An investigation of civil literacy levels of social studies teacher candidates

This study aims to determine the civil literacy levels of social studies teacher candidates. The research was implemented in the 2022-2023 academic year. The participants of the study consisted of students studying in the Department of Social Studies Education in Education Faculties of Fırat University, İnönü University and Muş Alparslan University. A total of 432 participants took part in the research. Of all, 286 were women and 146 were men. The Descriptive Survey Model, a quantitative research method, was used in the study. Personal Information Form and "Civil Literacy Scale" was used in order to determine the civil literacy levels of the social studies teacher candidates. Descriptive Statistics, Independent Samples T-Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance, Mann-Whitney U Test, and Kruskal Wallis Test were used to analyse the data. The effect of demographic variables on teacher candidates' civil literacy levels was evaluated and the results were presented. The results showed differences across gender, university, year of education at university, mother's education level, father's education level and their status regarding membership to non-governmental organizations. However, no difference was observed in the case of their interest in the world and Türkiye's agenda. According to the findings obtained from the study, it was concluded that the social studies teacher candidates' civil literacy levels were generally high. In the light of the literature and the results obtained form this study, it has been emphasized that civil literacy should start in the family from an early age and continue throughout life. It has also been stated that civil literacy education should start at the primary education level. The study discusses the results in light of similar studies and has reached a conclusion. Finally, some suggestions have been made for those who are interested in the study.