Reflection of constructivist approach on textbooks: Examination of 5th grade social studies textbooks applied between 2018-2024

In this study, 5th grade Social Studies textbooks and curricula published between 2018-2024 were examined in order to examine the applications of the constructivist approach in textbooks. The constructivist approach began to be integrated into textbooks in 2005, based on the processes of discovery, transformation, questioning and reconstruction of knowledge. This approach adopted a student-centered educational approach and pioneered the preparation of skill areas and student activities included in the curricula in accordance with this approach. The aim of education is to raise students as individuals who are beneficial to society and adaptable. In this context, the appropriateness levels of constructivist activities in 5th grade Social Studies textbooks published between 2018-2024 were investigated. In the study, the contents between the two periods were compared, and the universe group was determined as the 2018-2024 period books and the sample group as the 5th grade textbooks. In the study, which was conducted with the qualitative analysis method, data were collected by document review. As a result of the research, it was determined that the 5th grade Social Studies textbook implemented in 2024 had activities and content that were in line with the constructivist approach. In comparisons made with the books of private publishing houses, it was observed that the textbooks of private publishing houses included student-centered activities to a significant extent. For example, it was determined that there were student-centered evaluation forms and various question types in the 5th grade textbook of E-Kare Publishing. On the other hand, while the few activities in line with the constructivist approach were striking in the 5th grade Social Studies textbook implemented in 2018, there were not enough activities in the book of Anadol Publishing. These findings show that education needs to be re-evaluated within the framework of the constructivist approach. KEYWORDS:Textbook; Content, Exploration; Social Studies; Constructivist Understanding. February 2025, 110 Page