THE VIEWS OF THE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS ON DEVELOPING STUDENTS’ SELF-CONTROL SKILLS

Abstract

The study aimed at determining the views of the Social Studies teachers on developing their students’ self-control skills. This study was conducted with the phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research designs. The participants of the study was composed of 25 Social Studies teachers in eight secondary schools in city center of Elazığ, Turkey during Spring Semester of 2019-2020 school year. The participants were determined via convenience sampling model, which is one of the purposeful sampling methods. The data of the study were obtained using the interview technique via semi-structured interview forms. In the analysis of the data content analysis method was utilized. As a result of the study, it was determined that Social Studies teachers defined self-control skills as the capacity to control and check themselves. Self-control skills were determined to have positive contributions on learning in Social Studies teaching such as skills development, awareness of responsibilities, and being independent and self-confident. Families and teachers can be ensured to be models for students in order to develop and develop self-control skills. In developing self-control skills, different methods and techniques can be included in the teaching process considering the individual differences and developmental levels of students.