Social studies teacher candidates’ opinions about the practice of community service

Teachers are regarded as the architects of a society. They are expected to internalize and assess the community culture of their society, participate in social activities, and assume the role of a leader (Gündüz, 2007). Therefore, pre-service training of teachers bears a crucial importance. In this sense, the Higher Board of Education started the application of community service classes at colleges of education in the academic year of 2006-2007. Hence, teacher candidates are expected to furnish themselves with social sensitivity and responsibility, to become initiators and gain confidence, to unite with their society, and to actualize a level of development necessary to lead their society.