Abstract

Social studies lessons are among the lessons that provide values education for pupils at primary and secondary schools. The value of patriotism is one of the values that need to be acquired in social studies lessons. This study was conducted with 28 social studies teachers working in the central province of Kastamonu in 2014-2015 academic year in order to identify their perceptions of the value of patriotism. Qualitative research methods are adopted in this study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with social studies teachers. The data were analysed through content analysis. The findings are as follows: Social studies teachers stated that the value of patriotism is primarily introduced in learning area of People, Places and Environment and the 7th Grade unit of Population in Our Country. They also stated that they used the demonstration method the most often to teach the value of patriotism. They explained the relationship between social studies and the value of patriotism as that social studies lessons have the goal of raising good human beings, that social studies lessons have the aim of introduction and that the content of social studies lessons is closely related to the value of patriotism. Social studies teachers described patriotism as loving one’s country and nation. It is also observed that they explained the importance of the value of patriotism as maintaining the social order and continuity, raising conscious individuals and contributing to the development of our country.

Key words: Value, Patriotism, Social Studies