The role of social studies education in coping with pandemics

Pandemics, one of the biological and social disaster types that have had an impact throughout human history, are currently being experienced with the Covid-19 pandemic in the 21st century. Although the process may seem to belong to the field of health and natural sciences, it cannot be separated from social sciences, which are grounded in human nature. Given the multidimensional effects of pandemics, an interdisciplinary examination would be more appropriate. In this context, the discipline of Social Studies takes a multidimensional perspective on events and phenomena with an interdisciplinary understanding, aiming to raise socially and globally conscious citizens. It is crucial to determine the role of the Social Studies course in coping with pandemics according to the perspectives of Social Studies teachers and students. A basic qualitative research design was employed in the study. The study group consists of 18 students and five teachers selected from a middle school in Ankara province. Data were collected using semi-structured interview forms and cartoon drawings. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis method. The analyses revealed that students establish connections with Social Studies, especially in terms of compliance with social norms, rights and responsibilities, communication skills, and media literacy usage. Also, it was determined that they benefit from the learning areas of Individual and Society, Science Technology and Society. Teachers, on the other hand, emphasized that it was a course from life, contributes to interdisciplinary understanding, and is a verbal course. They pointed out that the short duration of the class hours and the lack of a direct focus on the subject of the pandemic necessitate revising the curriculum. The learning areas of Individual and Society, People Places and Environments, Science Technology and Society, and Global Connections were identified as the most utilized elements by the teachers.