@article{2019,title={Evaluation of Social Studies Textbook in Terms of Gaining Critical Thinking Skills to Students},abstractNode={In this study, it is aimed to evaluate the social studies textbook in terms of gaining critical thinking skills to the students. The model of the research is descriptive and qualitative and quantitative methods are used in the research. In this respect, it is a mixed method research. In the quantitative dimension of the study, 132 fifth grade teachers from 75 elementary schools representing lower, middle and upper socioeconomic levels in the central districts of Ankara province were determined as the sample. Regarding the qualitative dimension, a total of 12 teachers were selected for the study group, two primary school schools representing each of the three socio-economic levels and two 5th grade teachers from each primary school. In the study, quantitative data were collected by means of questionnaires and qualitative data were collected by structured interview form. In the quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics were applied and descriptive analysis were used in the analysis of qualitative data. According to the data obtained from the survey, the teachers stated that the social studies textbook was in part sufficient in terms of gaining critical thinking skills to the students, while the interviewed teachers stated that it was not sufficient. In particular, the majority of the teachers stated that the textbook was not sufficient in the sub skills, namely “to acquire the cause-effect relationship”, “to develop a different point of view in interpreting the events” and “to question the events”. If the objectives of the official program and the content of the textbooks do not overlap, it is extremely difficult for students to acquire ideas, skills, values and attitudes. The contents of the curricula and textbooks should be continuously evaluated, developed and updated so that this situation can evolve in a positive way. Considering that the main purpose of the social studies course is “to educate a good citizen”, it is expected for individuals to think rationally and critically, question and consider many variables while taking decisions, be sensitive to social problems, produce effective solutions and ultimately, to ensure themselves be self-existent in society.},author={Fahriye HAYIRSEVER-Mehmet Ali KISAKÜREK},year={2019},journal={Turkish Studies-Educational Sciences}}