The effects of student achievement and attitude of the unit 'voyage in the history of Turkish' with the evaluation of alternative processing (portfolio) in the lesson of social studies courses

in this study, the effects of using altemative evaluation technique while teaching the unit of 'The Journey in Turkish History' in 7.grade social sciences lesson were examined. Additionaly, students' portfolio activities were attached.The research was done on 34 students of 7-A and 7-B classes in Türkmensanlar Primary School, Yozgat in 2007-2008 academic year. A pretest was conducted to determine the level of readiness (success test) among students. One section was chosen as a control group and the other was experiment group. Under the guidance of teachers and researchers, social sciences lesson was maintained in experiment group with portfolio during the unit. No change was made in teaching process of control group students. Classic process was sustained.The study was made on both groups and suitable sampling method was used. Furthermore, social sciences lesson attitude scale was given to students and qualitative meetings were held in line with targets of the unit. After the study, social sciences success test and attitude scale were conducted on both groups. At the same time, observations along with the interview form were wanted from parents and evaluated.Application process of the study lasted about one and half months. The portfolio activity in experiment group was used as teaching technique and material. Students did some works related to the unit and put them into their files and exhibited as well. Although portfolia is used as an evaluation method generally, it was used as a teaching technique and material in this study.The data acquired as a result of the study were analyzed using SPSS 15 statistics packet program. Furthermore; content analysis and descriptive analysis technique were used at the meetings held with parents and students seperately. As a consequence, success test scores and attitude survey results of experiment group students who were taught the social sciences lesson including portfolio as a teaching technique and material are higher than the scores of control group students.Moreover, student and parent opinions toward the social sciences lesson are positive. Considering the study results, portfolio contributed to enhance the success and attitude level of students in social sciences lesson.