Teachers’ Views about Using Cross-Curricular Themes in the Social Studies Course

Cross-curricular theme approach is considered as a new approach in the Social Studies Education Program which was prepared in light of constructivist learning theory. Cross-curricular themes help multi-dimensional development of students. Therefore, teachers should integrate content of the course with cross-curricular themes in teaching-learning process. Due to the fact that the current study aims to determine primary school teachers’ views about using cross-curricular themes in the 4th grade Social Studies course, the research is designed in the survey model. Data of the study were collected through questionnaire prepared by researchers from primary school teachers who were teaching at the 4th grade. Percentage, frequency, and chi-square were used to analyze quantitative data of the study. In addition to this descriptive analysis was conducted to analyze qualitative data. Findings of the research revealed that teachers pay attention to using cross-curricular themes in the Social Studies course. They think that cross-curricular themes help students gain various information, skills, and values. They need to cooperate with colleagues about cross-curricular themes. However, they have problems about timing, absence of materials, and resource people. It is seen that teachers need seminars about this issue and they need extra-information about cross-curricular themes in the education program. Suggestions were put forth in light of results of the study.