Teaching Basic Concepts Related to Democracy in Social Studies Courses and Conceptual Misconceptions

In social studies courses, it is important for students to correctly understand the basic concepts of democracy in order to acquire democratic citizenship competencies. This study aims to examine students' misconceptions about democracy and how these concepts are addressed in social studies courses. Conducted as a case study within the framework of qualitative research designs, the participants of the study consisted of 7th grade students and a social studies teacher at a middle school in Eskişehir. Data were collected through word association tests, observation, interviews, and document analysis, and evaluated through descriptive analysis. According to the research data, some students conceptualized the concepts of rights, equality, and choice correctly, but conceptualized the concepts of freedom and sovereignty incorrectly. However, it was determined that students' conceptualizations of democracy, justice, law, and participation were inadequate. Furthermore, it was determined that in social studies courses, teacher preferred traditional methods in teaching concepts, but incorporated democratic values and behaviors in daily classroom practices. The teacher's attitude, classroom teaching processes, teaching program, and textbook play an important role in the formation of student perceptions and misconceptions about democracy and related concepts. In line with the research findings, it is recommended that various teaching methods be preferred in the teaching of basic concepts related to democracy and that the teaching program and textbook content be reviewed and restructured.