The investigation of biographies used in social studies textbooks

Interdisciplinary teaching is important in accordance with the renewed curriculum and constructivist approach in Social Studies education. Therefore, the relationship between the discipline of literature and social studies stand out. At this point, literary products cannot be ignored in teaching environment and materials. Therefore, the research aims to explain the characteristics and usage of biographies used in the Social Studies textbooks. The study was designed qualitatively and descriptive method was used. The documents of descriptive based research, which is the data acquisition technique document analysis, are prepared by the T.C. Milli Eğitim Bakanlığı (Republic of Turkey Ministry of National Education) in the 2018-2019 academic year. Research; the documents collected and the research questions discussed. In this direction, descriptive analysis technique was used for data analysis. According to reviews; the presence of biographical texts in textbooks follows a general course. In general, biographies are mentioned. There is no balance in the distribution of biographies into learning areas. Biographical elements have not been found in some learning areas. However, biographies are examined in terms of literary text types. In this case, it was observed that biographies were written with certain types of literary narrative such as didactic and explanatory narrative in general. When the contents are examined, the works, works and achievements of the people are mentioned in the biographical texts, and in general the information about the general life story of the people is given in the biographies. Considering that biographies are supported with visuals, an investigation has been made on this subject. As a result of the study, mainly representative pictures, portraits and photographs were shared. In the light of the collected data and findings, it was thought that the biographies included in the textbooks should have certain characteristics. A balance should be observed in the distribution of biographies in textbooks. Because biographies are considered as effective teaching materials, their content may be rich. The narrative types of the texts whose content is kept rich can be diversified in this way. This research is a continuation of previous studies on the use of biographical texts in social studies textbooks and course environments, and it is thought to be useful for teachers and teachers who want to do research on this subject.