Friendly and Hostile Country Perceptions of Prospective Social Studies Teachers

Abstract

Peace education requires that students have a correct and academic perception regarding other countries. These perceptions of students, who acquire certain perceptions starting from primary school to university, need to be based on real facts and should not contain extravagance.This study aims to determine whether 3rd year Prospective Social Studies Teachers have a perception of friendly and hostile country and what factors affect the formation of these perceptions. In this context, 33 students studying at Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak were interviewed using the semi-structured interview technique. Students were asked to write down their answers for questions in the interview form prepared for the study. The resulting data were analyzed with content analysis and descriptive analysis. Common statements were merged according to determined criteria and presented under themes.In the light of findings obtained from the study, it was seen that students had developed an awareness regarding friendliness and hostility. It was found that political events between States and national and religious issues were effective on the formation of this awareness. Also, factors such as media and internet were found to be effective on the formation of the awareness in question. On the other hand, it was found that students were influenced by current events when creating their knowledge-base.

Keywords: history education, friendship, hostility, social studies