Comparative analysis of the status of historical figures in social studies textbooks

The aim of the study is to comparatively examine the historical figures in the 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grade Social Studies textbooks approved by the Board of Education and Discipline in the 2020-2021 academic year and to reveal the findings. With this study, it was examined how often the historical figures in the books taught in the 2020-2021 academic year were found in the subject and how they were distributed. It was determined by grouping in which learning areas the examined historical figures were given. The data sources of the research are Social Studies textbooks approved by the Board of Education in the 2020-2021 academic year (4th grade social studies textbook of Tuna Publications, 5th grade social studies textbooks of Ata Publications and MEB, Anadol Publications). and 6th grade social studies textbooks belonging to MEB, 7th grade social studies textbooks belonging to Ekoyay Publications and MEB). In the research, the document analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. The obtained data were evaluated by descriptive analysis method. Based on the findings that emerged as a result of the study, it was found that as the class levels increased in a spiral structure, the important people in history expanded by going into detail. From this point of view, the development level of the students was taken into account and the environmental program was implemented, which expanded accordingly. At the 4th grade level, the historical figures are presented in a simpler and less numerous way for students to get to know themselves and their immediate surroundings. It has been concluded that historical subjects are given in more detail and intensively by making a deep journey to the past in personalities. This study was carried out on secondary school social studies textbooks, and it can be suggested that the same study be applied in textbooks such as history and Turkish.