The examination of cognitive flexibility levels and entrepreneurship features of social studies teacher candidates

The aim of this study is to examine the cognitive flexibility levels and entrepreneurial characteristics of social studies teacher candidates. This research, in which the scanning model was used, was prepared in the light of the data obtained from a total of 151 pre-service teachers studying at Fırat University Faculty of Education, Department of Turkish and Social Sciences Education, Department of Social Studies Education in the 2021-2022 academic year. The data of the research were obtained by using the Personal Information Form prepared by the researcher, the "Cognitive Flexibility Inventory" and the "Entrepreneurship Scale for Teacher Candidates". The data were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 statistical package program. As a result of the research, it was determined that the cognitive flexibility of the social studies teacher candidates was at a medium level and their entrepreneurship was at a high level. No significant difference was found between the results of the research, i.e., between the cognitive flexibility levels, entrepreneurial characteristics of social studies teacher candidates, and variables such as gender, parental occupation, monthly income level, level of commitment to daily habits, and the place where they want to work. When the cognitive flexibility levels of the participants are examined in terms of the variables, e.g. staying with the parents while at the university, frequency of reading books, frequency of periodicals subscription such as magazines and newspapers, it differs significantly. However, entrepreneurship level of the participants differs significantly when examined in terms of such variables as class level, attending lecture, course, seminar, club previously on entrepreneurship, and subscribing periodicals such as magazines and newspapers. It has been also observed that there is a weak strong and positive significant relationship between the cognitive flexibility levels of social studies teacher candidates and their entrepreneurship levels. The results of multiple regression analysis again showed that cognitive flexibility and control sub-dimension level did not significantly predict entrepreneurship and sub- dimensions of entrepreneurship, while the level of alternative sub-dimension was significantly predictive of the entrepreneurship and sub-dimensions of entrepreneurship. Finally, in the light of the data obtained, various suggestions are given to improve the cognitive flexibility and entrepreneurship skills of teacher candidates. Key Words: Social Studies, Cognitive Flexibility, Entrepreneurship