The effect of using current events in social studies lesson on the sensitivity levels of 6th grade students to social problems and student opinions

The social studies course, one of the main objectives of which is to raise effective citizens, is an important lesson in order to follow, understand and analyze current events and to develop students' thinking skills (Akkan ve Akhan, 2020). In this study, it has been examined whether there is an effect on the social awareness levels of the students with the use of current events in social studies lesson, and also what their opinions can be about the use of current events in social studies lesson. The study was carried out in Orhangazi Secondary School located in the central district of Bolu province. For the quantitative analysis of this study conducted with the mixed research method, the "Social Problems Sensitivity Scale" developed by Öcal, Demirkaya and Altınok (2013) was used; Semi-structured interview form was used in qualitative analysis. In quantitative analysis, t test for dependent samples, t test for independent samples and factorial analysis of variance for independent samples were used. As a result of the analysis made with pre-test and post-test, the effect of current events on social sensitivity could not be determined. As a result of the analysis performed with some variables (gender, family income level, mother's education level, father's education level, news follow-up frequency variables) obtained in the study, it was determined that there is a difference in favor of female students according to the social sensitivity level of the gender variable. As a result of the analysis performed with some variables (gender, family income level, mother's education level, father's education level, news follow-up frequency variables) obtained in the study, it was determined that there is a difference in favor of female students according to the social sensitivity level of the gender variable. As a result of the qualitative analysis performed with descriptive analysis; It has been determined that the students are positively affected by the discussion of current events in the classroom environment and concrete learning can take place.