Teachers views related to applications of values education in social studies lessons

The aim of this research is to specify the views of secondary school social studies teachers related to the applications of values education in social studies lessons. In this study, the awareness levels of social studies teachers in values education, the approaches and methods/techniques they use in applications, the levels of gaining values and the ways by which they assess and evaluate these acquired values are tried to be specified. In this research descriptive method has been used and it has been figured through qualitative survey. The data of the research have been collected via semi-structured interview form prepared by the researcher. In this context, 31 teachers were interviewed in 2012-2013 academic year in Keçiören, in Ankara. Descriptive analysis has been used in order to analyse and interpret the data procured from the participants. According to the findings obtained at the end of the research: The social studies teachers determined not to have enough information about the concept of value stated that values are of importance in education. 54,8 % of the teachers who participated in the research did not receive any training in values education. It is stated that in-service training activities should be generalized. Of all the values taking place in the program, teachers organize activities related to responsibility the most while they give place to peace and solidarity the least. It has been specified that, in order to bring students in values, teachers use the approach of explaining values the most, they use the approach of motivation the least and they did not give place to that of moral reasoning. Of all the teaching methods and techniques in values education applications, social studies teachers use case study method the most. This method is followed by creative drama and problem solving methods. Collaborative learning method is the one which is preferred the least. Teachers who attach importance to the fact that students should learn values by doing also use the methods such as excursion-observation. Of all the assessment and evaluation activities in values education applications, teachers use the methods of observation, interview with families, case study and discussion. Teachers specify whether or not students gain values by means of using observation method the most (87,09 %). Participants, while remarking the imperfections of the applications, gave voice to the imperfections mostly stemming from administrative staff or teachers themselves or other teachers. These imperfections are followed by those stemming from families (parents) and those stemming from the currriculum. Finally, teachers, in order for the values education applications to be performed more effectively, suggested that values be taught via learning by doing, coordination and cooperation be ensured between relevant individuals and institutions and course hours be increased. Key Words: Value, Values Education, Social Studies Lesson, Social Studies Teacher