NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES OF TURKEY ACCORDING TO PRE SERVICE TEACHER'S COGNITIVE/SKETCH MAPS

Maps are important technical tools that play role in the construction of space, spatial relations and knowledge of location in the minds of individuals. However, when it comes to determining the spatial patterns of the minds at the regional and global level; starting with the environment in which it is experienced, the sketch maps drawn by the individuals can become important sources. Sketch maps are reflections of spatial patterns and images that individuals construct in their minds. The aim of this study is to determine pre service primary school teachers and pre service social studies teachers’ level of locating and determination surrounding countries of Turkey on their sketch maps. The study group consists of 250 freshman and sophomore students in Department of Primary School Education and Department of Social Studies Education. According to the findings, pre service teachers’ level of locating and determining surrounding countries of Turkey on their maps is found as insufficient