Difficulties Faced in Social Club Activities: A Qualitative Study Based on Teacher Opinions

Abstract

The primary purpose of education is to raise physically and mentally healthy individuals who contribute to society effectively. Another of educations primary functions is to establish an environment for students not only to continually develop as a complete individual physically psychologically and sociologically but also to become happy and productive individuals who actively participate in social activities (Ye^ilyaprak, 2013).Since humans are social creatures, it is considered a prerequisite that people participating in social life do so through communicating, helping, exhibiting mutual understanding, and being acceptance toward one another.. Just as it is expected that individuals not remain insensitive to social problems, so are they expected to be able to propose solution to social problems. Such behavior is regarded as a path leading to the socialization of individuals who display an entrepreneur personality by expressing their opinions in matters concerning other individuals and themselves (George Washington Academy, 2014). In order for students to gain the above-mentioned qualities, some implementations have been suggested so as to raise students as effective individuals who actively participe in the 'Regulation on Social Activities' published in the official gazette dated January 13, 2005 by the Ministry of National Education in Turkey. These activities, which include different implementations and which aimed at raising students as social individuals, has been carried out by means of student clubs that meet once every two weeks in elementary and secondary schools. In this process, it is envisaged that student membership in any social club, regardless of grade level, be decided democratically in line with students' wishes. Social clubs are defined as planned, programmed, and systematic studies performed in or out of school, in accordance with education purposes, in line with students' interests and wishes, and to improve their personalities by benefitting from both school administration and club advisor's knowledge.Students participating in social club studies develop skills not only in working with various persons and groups, but also improve their collaboration skills, abilities to apply their knowledge to new situations, and conduct observations, examinations, and analyses (Social Skills Central, 2014). Furthermore, social club studies are regarded as a socialization tool since they not only help students to take an active role in various social groups when they are conducted with good advisor, but also help them to develop good relationships with others (Karsh, 2006). The concept of socialization is generally defined as one's ability to be in contact with other individuals by joining a social group. According to Tezcan (1994) however, socialization is expressed as one's 'preparation to society' during children's education process. In this respect, among the purposes of socialization are enabling children's expectations to remain in their mind, teaching them skills so that they may participate in adult activities and teaching them social roles and attitudes supporting (Setterns, 2002). On the other hand, Levine and Moreland (1994) indicated that individuals gain a group culture as a result of the socialization process and develop communication and interaction skills by communicating with one another in various matters. Moreover, the development of attitudes, skills, and values in students who participate in social club activities, such as viewing differences with acceptance and respect enabling active participation, and gaining rights, freedom, and responsibility awareness, enables schools to establish a democratic school culture and to bring up democratic citizens (Centerville Elementary School, 2014).Social clubs present a structure contributing not only to students' physical and mental development, but also one that supports students to develop their academic success as a part of school and teaching program. …