Attitudes of Jordanian Females Students toward Social Studies Education

Abstract

This study inquires about the attitudes of female students toward social studies. Using a phenomenological research approach, two groups of eighth and eleventh grade students were interviewed. Forty-eight students were selected to participate in the study. With teacher and learning variables, previous research, and the research questions in mind, two dominant themes emerged that related to the analysis of the information provided by the students. The first theme suggested that active involvement and teacher enthusiasm led to positive images of social studies by middle and high school students. The second theme suggested perceived utilitarian value, or lack thereof, was a major factor regarding both middle and high school students' views of social studies. Generally, students were not as negative toward social studies as previous reseach studies indicate