Analysis of Some of the Primary Education Curricula in Terms of International Social and Emotional Skills

Abstract

Social and emotional skills are the basic competencies required for individuals, who are a social
creature, to continue their development in a healthy and desired way. In this study, it is aimed to
analyze the curricula that are responsible for the formal acquisition of these competencies. In the
study, Turkish, life studies, social studies, science and mathematics curricula at primary education
level were examined in terms of international social and emotional skills. The study, which is an
example of qualitative research, was conducted according to the case study model. In the analysis of
the curricula, the international social and emotional skills determined by the OECD were considered
as criteria and document analysis technique was used. According to the findings obtained in the study,
it was determined that the majority of these skills were included in the curricula, but the attainment
rate associated with these skills was not sufficient. It was also concluded that the belief in success,
stress resistance, trust, and curiosity were skills that were not included in any of the curricula. Another
important deficiency determined in the study is that none of the social and emotional skills were
included in the mathematics curriculum.