An Alternative Activity Proposal for Teaching of the Subject of First Turkish States: Concept Puzzles

The purpose of this study is to develop conceptual puzzles as an alternative activity for the teaching of the subjects of the first Turkish states which are suitable for the use of social studies teachers and teacher candidates. Three concept puzzles were prepared by the researchers for this purpose. Two of them are crossword and one is a word hunt puzzle. One of the crosswords was related to the general characteristics of the first Turkish states whereas the other was prepared for the culture and adaptation of the first Turkish states. The word hunt puzzle is encrypted and prepared. When answers of all the questions are found, the words generate a password except for the answers. Despite the many benefits of using puzzles in education, research on the use of puzzles in education in Turkey is quite scarce. Since the elementary education level is the basis for the teaching of concepts in particular, it is necessary to consider the concepts of social studies in the primary education stage. Concept teaching constitutes one of the visions of the re-developed social studies programs and emphasis is placed on the overall goals of the program. The three basic dimensions in the renewed social studies program are concept, skill and value teaching. In this respect, it is very important to acquire the determined concepts in the curriculum. This study was thought to be a source for researchers who are considering using concept puzzles in education