Table, Graphic, and Diagram Interpretation and Preparation Skills: Social Studies and Geography Teachers’ Practice and Beliefs

Abstract

This study aims to determine the views of social studies and geography teachers on their table, graphic, diagram interpretation and preparation skill (TGDI-PS). In according with this study, the research was designed in the mixed method, in which both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments were used together. The research was conducted with the participation of teachers working in Eskişehir, İstanbul and Ankara (in Turkey) during the 2017-2018 Fall Semester. The quantitative side of the research was made with the participation of 207 teachers from the fields of geography and social studies. The qualitative side of the research was made with the participation of 5 geography and 5 social studies teachers. The data were gathered with the questionnaire and interview forms that were prepared by the researcher. As the result of the analysis of the gathered data, although the views of the teachers on their TGDI-PS were found to be positive, it was found that this did not reflect an implementation. It was concluded that the most important reference for the relevant skills is the textbooks. Furthermore, it was found that tables were given the place in the lessons of the teachers the most and it was followed by graphics, whereas diagram visuals were not given any place in their lessons. In the lessons of social studies and geography, it was found that only the level of ‘interpretation/reading’ level of TGDI-PS was performed and problems were experienced at the level of ‘preperation/drawing’. Under the light of the gathered findings, recommendations were made.