Investigation of the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and internal-external control locus of classroom and social studies teacher candidates

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between intercultural sensitivity and internal-external locus of control of prospective classroom and social studies teacher candidates. This research was carried out using the relational screening model with 343 pre-service teachers studying in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades of Kastamonu University's classroom and social studies education department in the 2021-2022 academic year. In order to determine the relationship between the intercultural sensitivity levels of classroom and social studies teacher candidates and their levels of internal-external locus of control, the personal information form was developed by Chen and Starosta (2000) and adapted to Turkish by Üstün (2011) and tested for validity and reliability. The Rotter Internal-External Locus of Control Scale, which was developed by Rotter (1966) and Dag (1991), was used. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical program. According to the findings of the study, it was determined that both primary school teachers and social studies teacher candidates had high levels of intercultural sensitivity and had a strong internal locus of control. As a result of the research, the effect of some variables on intercultural sensitivity and locus of control was determined, but no significant relationship was observed between intercultural sensitivity and locus of control. It is suggested that the education of pre-service teachers, who will be the locomotive of social change and development, should be structured in a way that will strengthen their intercultural sensitivity and internal control focus.