WHERE ARE SOCIAL STUDIES TEXTBOOKS GOING?

Today, textbooks are one of the most frequently used sources in the learning process. In this respect, the effectiveness of textbooks is a matter worth investigating when considering the intensive use of textbooks. In this study, some expected effects of social studies textbooks were discussed based on the experiences of middle school students, A textbook is a resource which has versatile features. In this study, social studies textbooks’ cover design, individual use features, transfer of content, directing to the research and effects on the multidisciplinary structure were detected based on the students' opinions. This study was carried out with survey appropriate via quantitative research method. The data were collected by questionnaire from 837 students graded 5th, 6th, and 7th in the central middle schools of Ad？yaman province. The obtained data were interpreted in comparison with the variables as grade level, gender, etc. The data were analyzed using frequency and percentage and shown in tables. According to the findings of the study, it was understood that the students found the information in the textbooks to be reliable in the information sources which they have encountered regarding the content of the social studies course (teacher, course book, internet, newspaper, friends, family, television, books for exams). Moreover, according to the students' opinions, it has been revealed that the textbooks are not enough for the students to use on their own. The majority of the students who took the social studies course were not warmed up to separate the course as history and geography lessons