An Interdisciplinary Perspective on the "Our Living Democracy" Learning Area in Social Studies

Abstract

Abstract

Interdisciplinary approaches to education have become increasingly significant, particularly in addressing complex social issues. In today’s world, the multidimensional nature of social and political phenomena is too intricate to be effectively analyzed within the confines of a single academic discipline. This complexity underscores the necessity for interdisciplinary methods, especially in understanding democratic processes within the context of Social Studies education. This study analyzes the “Our Living Democracy” learning area in the 5th-grade Social Studies curriculum through the lens of Drake and Burns’ (2004) Interdisciplinary Teaching Model. Document analysis of the 2024 Social Studies Curriculum—developed by the Turkish Ministry of National Education as part of the “Century of Türkiye” Educational Model—reveals that the “Our Living Democracy” unit is well-aligned with interdisciplinary instructional frameworks. The findings indicate that this learning area fosters democratic participation by presenting students with meaningful themes, supported by both vertically and horizontally integrated curriculum standards. Utilizing the KNOW/DO/BE framework, the curriculum successfully links knowledge, skills, and values, thereby nurturing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The overarching goal is to develop socially responsible individuals who internalize democratic values. Within this framework, the interdisciplinary approach does not merely transmit theoretical content; rather, it enables students to connect learning with real-life contexts and generate practical solutions to social challenges. As such, it contributes to a deeper, more enduring, and meaningful educational experience.

The research findings indicate that this learning area promotes democratic participation by presenting meaningful themes to students through vertically and horizontally integrated standards. By employing the KNOW/DO/BE bridge, connections among knowledge, skills, and values have been established, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the goal of cultivating responsible individuals who embrace democratic values. In this context, the interdisciplinary approach not only imparts theoretical knowledge but also equips them with the skills to apply this knowledge to everyday life and develop practical solutions, thereby providing a lasting and meaningful learning experience.