Teacher candidate's opinions about being a social studies teacher

Abstract

Social studies teachers have a tremendous responsibility in applying the social studies program in a way that will furnish the individuals with survival skills which will lead them to be concientious citizens. The purpose of this research is to determine the opinions of social studies teacher candidates. Accordingly, 93 3rd and 4th grade students have been given a questionnaire including open ended questions, and the data have been analyzed through descriptive methods. Findings have revealed that participants believe that a social studies teacher should have a good command of field knowledge, should teach about social life, and should keep him/herself updated about current issues. Furthermore, they have also pointed that they want to be teachers who can effectively communicate with their students, and who believe in constructive approach in education. Teacher candidates have stated that social studies course differs from other courses in being directly related to life and dealing with current issues; on the other hand, they have underpinned that appointment procedure in our country is the biggest problem awaiting them.