Social Services in the Context of 2018 Social Studies Curriculum and Textbooks

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw

The study investigates which “Social Services” related subjects are addressed in Social Studies textbooks for grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 under the 2018 curriculum’s Learning Domain/Unit and Subject headings. Document analysis is conducted using a qualitative framework and content analysis of textbooks approved for public schools in 2020–2021. Findings show clear, age-appropriate language overall, with children’s rights and refugee issues covered across the four grades, and project examples such as “Talking Medicine Box” and “Lifeguard Balloon Bracelet.” However, topics including drug-substance addiction, animal abuse, and violence against women are largely missing; early instruction and development-level appropriate teaching are recommended.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Literature and Conceptual Background

Social Services as a Discipline and Profession

Study Design (document analysis)

Findings and Discussion

Coverage across grade levels

Examples of project-based subjects

Missing or rarely addressed topics

Recommendations

Social Services in the Context of 2018 Social Studies Curriculum and Textbooks Kenan BAŞ1 Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University Abstract The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate which subjects related to "Social Services" are covered in the Social Studies textbooks in grades 4th, 5th 6th and 7th according to the Learning Domain / Unit and Subject headings in the Social Studies curriculum revised in 2018. The document analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in this study. The study was conducted on the 4th, 5th 6th and 7th grade Social Studies textbooks, which were approved to be taught in public schools by the Ministry of National Education in the 2020 and 2021 academic year. The obtained data were analyzed by content analysis technique. When the results of the study were evaluated in general, it was observed that the subjects described were in a clear and understandable way in terms of language and wording appropriate for the students’ levels. In the Social Studies curriculum and Social Studies textbooks, while the subject headings related to “Social Services” are mostly included at the 4th grade level in terms of subject diversity, it was observed that children’s rights and refugee issues were covered at the four grade level as well (4th, 5th 6th and 7th) . It was observed that specifically within the scope of the project works carried out at the 4th grade level in schools, citing the cases of the "Talking Medicine Box" developed by students for disabled citizens, one of the target groups of "Social Services" the "Lifeguard Balloon Bracelet" in the 4th grade textbook, which would minimize the loss of life in drowning incidents constituted an important example to the students in terms of being sensitive and conscious citizens in society within the scope of the Social Studies course. However, it was also observed that “Drug-Substance Addiction and Animal Abuse”, that were among the important subject headings of Social Services were not included at any class level, and violence against women was rarely addressed. It was recommended that children would start to grow awareness from an early age if the knowledge and information on these issues was taught appropriately considering the development levels of the students. Keywords: Social Studies, Social Services, Textbook, Child Abuse, Rights DOI: 10.29329/epasr.2020.373.19 1Asst. Prof. Dr., Ağrı İbrahim Çeçen University Patnos School of Social Services, Department of Social Services.. ORCIDID: 0000-0003-4253-2323 [E-mail: kenanbas2301@gmail.com](E-mail: kenanbas2301@gmail.com) Introduction It is possible to say that today's world has been gradually evolving into a different route. Especially within the last 10 years, when the events happening in the world and Turkey (The changes experienced in many areas mainly Covid-19 and afterwards especially education, health, and social changes including the economy, wars, racism rhetoric, refugee problems, social life in the digital conversion, etc.) are taken into consideration, it is seen that this situation confirms the existing reality. These changes and transformations experienced have not only changed the habits of societies, but also made it necessary to consider the future from a different perspective. Therefore, this situation paved the way for new areas to be opened to societies and people in many ways. One of these areas where balances are re-established in the new world order is undoubtedly the phenomenon of profession. The political, social and economic structures in the modern world position people at the center of all their projects today, as they did in the past. It is simply because the world gains a meaning with the existence of human beings. Therefore, the main purpose is to increase the well-being of individuals and to include them in a more livable world order. People in almost every country of the world throughout the history have had to cope with many problems. Th

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the study?

To investigate and evaluate which subjects related to “Social Services” are included in Social Studies textbooks for grades 4–7 according to the 2018 curriculum headings.

How was the research conducted?

The study used document analysis within a qualitative research design, analyzing the approved textbooks through content analysis.

Which Social Services topics were found to be covered across multiple grades?

Children’s rights and refugee issues were observed at the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade levels.

What gaps did the study identify, and what recommendation was made?

Drug-substance addiction, animal abuse, and violence against women were rarely or not included; the study recommends teaching appropriate knowledge and information early to build awareness according to students’ development levels.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw