REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHICAL EDUCATION ONLINE (RIGEO), vol.11, pp.317-334, 2021 (Scopus)
The aim of this study is to investigate the self-efficacy perceptions of Social Studies teachers about the basic skills in the
2018 Social Studies curriculum. In Turkey, according to changes made in the Social Studies curriculum in 2018, Social
Studies lessons are given to students in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grades, and comprise 27 basic skills, This study
investigated the self-efficacy perceptions of 143 Social Studies teachers working in Istanbul province. The study found
that the majority of teachers felt themselves to be “inefficient” in the following skills: research, perception of change
and continuity, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, legal literacy, collaboration, using evidence, perceiving space,
political literacy, drawing and interpreting table, graphics and diagrams, innovative thinking, and perceiving time and
chronology. Additionally, it was found that the teachers believed that they were at a “good” or “very good” level of
efficacy concerning the following skills: environmental literacy,digital literacy, empathy, financial literacy, observation,
map literacy, communication, stereotypical judgment and prejudice, decision making, location analysis, media literacy,
self-control, problem solving, social participation, and the correct, beautiful, and effective use of Turkish. This indicates
that most Social Studies teachers who participated in the study perceived themselves as being at a positive/efficient
level in 16 of the 27 skills. Therefore, the efficacies of Social Studies teachers regarding the basic skills of the 2018 Social
Studies curriculum could provide opportunities for these individuals to apply effective strategies, methods, and
techniques for their students.