An Analysis of the Social Studies Teacher Candidates' Perception with Respect to the Concept of Globalization

Abstract

In this study, out of qualitative research patterns, the phenomenological pattern which is appropriate for the very nature of the research was used. The study group included 133 students studying in the Department of Social Studies Teaching, Faculty of Education in Siirt University in the academic year 2011 - 2012. In order to define the social studies teacher candidates' perception with respect to the concept of globalization, teacher candidates were delivered a semi-structured form which included an item Globalization is something like ......... Because, .................. They were asked to focus on a single metaphor and express their opinion. Data gathered at the end of the study were analyzed in pursuance of content analysis. Participants produced a total of 51 valid metaphors in regard to the concept of globalization, and these metaphors were classified in ten different conceptual categories, that is; improvement in communication, expansion in its domain, improvement in interaction, experiencing competitiveness, causing danger and hazards, development, increase in solidarity, decrease in independence, improvement in transportation, and increase in life standards. It was found that globalization is a multifaceted abstract concept and it can be handled or approached from different perspectives.