An Examination of Teachers Views on Teaching Democratic Values in Fourth-Grade Social Studies Courses in Primary School

Abstract

This study aims to examine the perspectives of fourth-grade primary school teachers regarding the instruction of democratic values within the social studies course. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology and employed a case study design. The study group consisted of 40 primary school teachers working in the Toroslar district of Mersin during the 2024–2025 academic year. Data were collected through a Teacher Interview Form comprising seven open-ended questions and analyzed using content analysis. The findings indicate that teachers consider the teaching of democratic values to be highly important. Justice, respect, equality, and tolerance were identified as the democratic values most frequently emphasized in classroom instruction. Conversely, responsibility, respect, and tolerance were reported as the values most commonly lacking among students. Active participation, drama, storytelling, and teacher role modeling emerged as the most effective pedagogical approaches for fostering democratic values. Additionally, reading activities and storytelling were highlighted as essential tools for value acquisition. Based on these results, it is recommended that reading and storytelling activities considered effective by teachers be supported through children’s literature themed around democratic values. Furthermore, the curriculum should allocate greater emphasis to inclusive educational practices and cultural awareness activities aimed at enhancing respect for diversity and strengthening social tolerance.