Multi-faceted Assessment of Special Field Competences of Social Studies Teachers

Abstract

It is a well-known fact that in order to advance as a society and to achieve prosperity in developed countries, good education must be provided in schools. However, in order to provide a good education in the schools, that is to be successful for the students, the quality of teaching in the school should be increased. The success graph in schools cannot be raised significantly without qualified teachers. In other words, good teachers are needed to have good students. Considering that teachers are trained in institutions that train teachers, these institutions have great responsibilities. However, the desired quality of teachers also depends on the existence of a number of standards. One of the ways to achieve this standard is teacher competencies. The aim of this study is to examine the special field competencies of social studies teachers in terms of various variables. The participants were working in the various provinces of Turkey consists of 450 social studies teachers. The research was obtained by using quantitative research methods. Data collection tool was prepared by using special field competence scale developed by the researcher. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22.00 package program. According to the results obtained; As a gender variable, a significant result was obtained in favor of female teachers. Significant results were obtained in favor of men according to the high school and bachelor's degree. The number and quality of in-service training programs for teachers should be increased based on the conclusion that teachers receiving in-service training have higher perceptions of teaching qualifications than teachers who do not take them in-service. Teachers should be provided with the skills to collaborate with colleagues and evaluate themselves more objectively. Using these skills, studies should be conducted to make teachers realize that they have educational needs.