The Status of National Values in the Books of Social Studies for the Grades of the Upper Primary Stage in Jordan

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the most important national values that should be included in the textbooks of social studies for the upper-primary stage grades in Jordan; and then identifying the degree of their inclusion in those books. The study used a descriptive-analytical approach. A study tool which includes twelve national values was prepared to analyze the data. Data were collected from educational literature as well as related researches and studies. To determine the validity of the study tool, it was presented to a group of expert, specialized evaluators. The reliability of the study tool was determined by using the appropriate statistical methods.The results showed that the total number of the national values contained ​​in the books of social studies for the upper-primary stage grades in Jordan was (319). The most frequently used national value was (national pride) which appeared (66) times. The results also showed that some national values ​​ were repeated in the content of these books for a reasonable number of times, while other national values were repeated from (0 – 2) times only.  In the light of those results, the study recommends paying attention to the national values ​​that were not available; benefiting from the national values ​​enclosed in the study tool; and conducting further studies on this topic for other stages and subjects.

Keywords: National values, citizenship, social studies textbooks, upper-primary stage