NATIONAL IDENTITY AND NEIGHBOUR COUNTRY PERCEPTIONS OF PRE-SERVICE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS – THE TURKISH CASE

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine pre-service social studies teachers’ knowledge and perceptions both towards their national identity and neighbour countries of Turkey. Based on qualitative research methodology, participants consisted of 73 pre-service social studies teachers at a university located in the western part of Turkey. The selection of pre-service teachers was based on purposeful sampling with no gender-specific selection. A questionnaire was developed based on qualitative means which included open-ended questions regarding the pre-service social studies teachers’ perceptions of both national identity and neighbour states of Turkey. They also created metaphors for those countries. In conclusion, it is seen that for Turkish pre-service social studies teachers being a Turkish citizen equalled kinship, loyalty to historical heritage, patriotism and duties towards own nation. In the case of neighbour countries, they could present less knowledge about those countries.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0956/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>