The Role of Monuments and Social Studies Education in the Formation of Collective Memory

Kübra Melis Avcu

Fırat University (Turkey)

This study examines the role of monuments in forming and transferring social memory within the context of social studies education. Conducted using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 25 social studies teachers working in middle schools in Malatya. According to the findings, teachers indicate that using monuments in social studies lessons strengthens students' social memory and cultural identity development. The most preferred methods for teaching about monuments include field trips, storytelling, visual materials, and drama. It was observed that students' perceptions of monuments are generally superficial but become enriched through classroom activities. The main challenges faced include time and spatial access issues, lack of materials, and student disinterest. Teachers emphasize themes such as patriotism, shared values, concretization of historical events, and fostering a sense of belonging, aiming to transmit social memory to new generations. Consequently, monuments are seen as an effective tool in social studies education for developing students' social and cultural awareness, highlighting the necessity for supportive policies to enable more effective educational practices.

Article link: https://www.asianinstituteofresearch.org/EQRarchives/the-role-of-monuments-and-social-studies-education-in-the-formation-of-collective-memory