Research Article
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The Examination of Turkish High School Chemistry Textbooks for Values

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 26, 1364 - 1385

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the texts within high school chemistry textbooks in Türkiye with respect to the values outlined in the chemistry curriculum. The study employed a document analysis approach. The sample of the study consisted of four chemistry textbooks, one from each of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade levels. As a data collection tool in the study; the criteria including values and its indicators (attitudes and behaviours) related to the values determined by the Turkish Board of Education were used. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data. It was concluded that the most common values in Turkish high school chemistry textbooks were “responsibility” and “self-control”, while the least common values were “friendship” and “justice”. In addition, the value of “honesty” was not encountered in the textbooks of any grade level. In conclusion, it was proposed that greater emphasis should be placed on incorporating values into chemistry textbooks.

Ethical Statement

There is no ethics committee document for our study. Since no data was collected from human or animal subjects in this study, it is not within the scope of studies requiring ethics committee approval. However, the principles of scientific research and publication ethics were followed in the preparation of the study.

References

  • Acar, B., & Yaman Kasap, M. (2020). Review of the values in biology textbooks of secondary education. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 10(2), 336-349.
  • Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27-40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027
  • Cohen, J. (1960). A coefficient of agreement for nominal scales. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 20(1), 37-46. https://doi.org/10.1177/001316446002000104
  • Coştu, F. (2024). Do reading texts in science textbooks contribute to values education? Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 21(1), 256-280. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1354045
  • Derman, A., & Tufan, M. (2022). Examination of analogies in ninth and tenth grade school chemistry textbooks. Turkish Studies-Educational Sciences, 17(6), 1439-1454. http://doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.64149
  • Educational Information Network (EBA) (2024). About EBA. Retrieved from https://www.eba.gov.tr/nasil-eba. Gamage, K. A. A., Dehideniya, D. M. S. C. P. K., & Ekanayake, S. Y. (2021). The role of personal values in learning approaches and student achievements. Behavioral Sciences, 11(7), 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11070102
  • Kart, M., Caliskan, D. N., Torunoglu, H., & Sahin, C. (2019). Values in primary school curriculum (2005 and 2017). In Proceedings of the EJER Congress 2019 (p. 1616-1624). Anı.
  • Koray, Ö., Bağçe-Bahadır, H. & Geçgin, F. (2006). The states of being represented of science process’s skills in the course books of chemistry and chemistry curriculums at the class 9th. International Journal of Management Economics and Business, 2(4), 147-156.
  • Marker, G., & Mehlinger, H. (1992). Social studies. In Philip W. Jackson (Ed.), Handbook of research on curriculum. MacMillan.
  • Matthews, B., Lietz, P., & Darmawan, I. G. N. (2007). Values and learning approaches of students at an international university. Social Psychology of Education, 10, 247-275.
  • Meco, G., & Costu, F. (2023). Investigation of physics textbooks in terms of values education. Asya Studies-Academic Social Studies, 7(24), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.31455/asya.1251341
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE] (2010). 18th National Education Council Decisions. https://ttkb.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2017_09/29170222_18_sura.pdf
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE] (2018). Secondary School Chemistry Curriculum. https://mufredat.meb.gov.tr/Dosyalar/201812102955190-19.01.2018%20Kimya%20Dersi%20%C3%96%C4%9Fretim%20Program%C4%B1.pdf
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE] (2023). Criteria and explanations that will be the basis for the evaluation of draft textbooks. https://ttkb.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2023_09/14172658_degerlendirmeye_esas_kriter_ve_aciklamalar.pdf
  • Nakiboğlu, C. (2021). Analysis of the experiments in the science high school chemistry textbooks in terms of the purpose of the 2018 science high school chemistry curriculum for experimental study. Journal of Turkish Chemical Society Section C: Chemistry Education (JOTCSC), 6(2), 209-239. https://doi.org/10.37995/jotcsc.991061
  • Ozdemir, O., Ozdemir, P.G., Kadak, M.T., & Nasiroglu, S. (2012). Personality development. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 4(4), 566-589. https://doi.org/10.5455/cap.20120433.
  • Sayin, V., Orbay, K., & Altunay-Şam, E. (2019). Research of 5th grade mathematics textbook in terms of our values. IBAD Journal of Social Sciences, Special Issue, 161-171.
  • Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An overview of the Schwartz theory of basic values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1116
  • Sevim, O., & Er, E. (2023). Examination of trends in graduate studies on character and values education. Journal of EKEV Academy, Special Issue, 268-281. https://doi.org/10.17753/sosekev.1352803
  • Şen, Ş., & Temel, S. (2023). Examining the secondary education 9th grade chemistry textbook in terms of the dimensions of the nature of science. Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Journal of Faculty of Education, 23(3), 1477-1496.
  • Ünal, S., & Benzer, A. İ. (2024a). Examining textbooks in terms of values: example of middle school 6th grade science textbooks. Journal of Bayburt Education Faculty, 19(41), 1549-1574. https://doi.org/10.35675/befdergi.1281697
  • Ünal, S., & Benzer, A. İ. (2024b). The examination of middle school 5th grade science textbooks in values. Educational Academic Research, 53, 65-79. https://doi.org/10.33418/education.1420782
  • Üner, S., Akkuş, H., & Kormalı, F. (2014). The cognitive level of questions in the secondary chemistry textbooks and exams and the relationship with student’s cognitive level. Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Faculty of Education Journal, 15(1), 137-154.
  • Thambusamy, R., & Elier, A. A. (2013). Shaping the bamboo from the shoot: Elementary level character education in Malaysia. Childhood Education, 89(6), 368-378.
  • Turker, A., Dundar, E., & Sozcu, U. (2023). Root values in geography textbooks, E-International Journal of Educational Research, 14(4), 90-107.
  • Ulusoy, K. (2019). Character, values and moral education. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Ureyen-Cimen, O., & Ozmantar, M. F. (2023). Investigation of primary school mathematics textbooks in terms of root values. Educational Science and Research Journal (EBAD), 4(2), 337-371. https://doi.org/10.54637/ebad.1309397
  • Yildirim, A. (2006). High school textbooks in Turkey from teachers’ and students’ perspectives: the case of history textbooks. Asia Pacific Education Review, 7, 218-228.
  • Yildirim, A., & Simsek, H. (2008). Qualitative research methods in social sciences (6th Ed.). Seçkin.
  • Yilmaz, E., & Kiran, D. (2023). Examination of middle school science coursebooks in terms of values education. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 12(1), 29-45.
  • Zerman-Kepçeoğlu, G., & İrez, S. (2023). An analysis of the place of the history of science in chemistry textbooks. International e-Journal of Educational Studies, 7 (15), 831-843. https://doi.org/10.31458/iejes.1353829

The Examination of Turkish High School Chemistry Textbooks for Values

Year 2025, Volume: 13 Issue: 26, 1364 - 1385

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the texts within high school chemistry textbooks in Türkiye with respect to the values outlined in the chemistry curriculum. The study employed a document analysis approach. The sample of the study consisted of four chemistry textbooks, one from each of the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade levels. As a data collection tool in the study; the criteria including values and its indicators (attitudes and behaviours) related to the values determined by the Turkish Board of Education were used. Descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data. It was concluded that the most common values in Turkish high school chemistry textbooks were “responsibility” and “self-control”, while the least common values were “friendship” and “justice”. In addition, the value of “honesty” was not encountered in the textbooks of any grade level. In conclusion, it was proposed that greater emphasis should be placed on incorporating values into chemistry textbooks.

References

  • Acar, B., & Yaman Kasap, M. (2020). Review of the values in biology textbooks of secondary education. Sakarya University Journal of Education, 10(2), 336-349.
  • Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27-40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027
  • Cohen, J. (1960). A coefficient of agreement for nominal scales. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 20(1), 37-46. https://doi.org/10.1177/001316446002000104
  • Coştu, F. (2024). Do reading texts in science textbooks contribute to values education? Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 21(1), 256-280. https://doi.org/10.33711/yyuefd.1354045
  • Derman, A., & Tufan, M. (2022). Examination of analogies in ninth and tenth grade school chemistry textbooks. Turkish Studies-Educational Sciences, 17(6), 1439-1454. http://doi.org/10.7827/TurkishStudies.64149
  • Educational Information Network (EBA) (2024). About EBA. Retrieved from https://www.eba.gov.tr/nasil-eba. Gamage, K. A. A., Dehideniya, D. M. S. C. P. K., & Ekanayake, S. Y. (2021). The role of personal values in learning approaches and student achievements. Behavioral Sciences, 11(7), 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs11070102
  • Kart, M., Caliskan, D. N., Torunoglu, H., & Sahin, C. (2019). Values in primary school curriculum (2005 and 2017). In Proceedings of the EJER Congress 2019 (p. 1616-1624). Anı.
  • Koray, Ö., Bağçe-Bahadır, H. & Geçgin, F. (2006). The states of being represented of science process’s skills in the course books of chemistry and chemistry curriculums at the class 9th. International Journal of Management Economics and Business, 2(4), 147-156.
  • Marker, G., & Mehlinger, H. (1992). Social studies. In Philip W. Jackson (Ed.), Handbook of research on curriculum. MacMillan.
  • Matthews, B., Lietz, P., & Darmawan, I. G. N. (2007). Values and learning approaches of students at an international university. Social Psychology of Education, 10, 247-275.
  • Meco, G., & Costu, F. (2023). Investigation of physics textbooks in terms of values education. Asya Studies-Academic Social Studies, 7(24), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.31455/asya.1251341
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE] (2010). 18th National Education Council Decisions. https://ttkb.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2017_09/29170222_18_sura.pdf
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE] (2018). Secondary School Chemistry Curriculum. https://mufredat.meb.gov.tr/Dosyalar/201812102955190-19.01.2018%20Kimya%20Dersi%20%C3%96%C4%9Fretim%20Program%C4%B1.pdf
  • Ministry of National Education [MoNE] (2023). Criteria and explanations that will be the basis for the evaluation of draft textbooks. https://ttkb.meb.gov.tr/meb_iys_dosyalar/2023_09/14172658_degerlendirmeye_esas_kriter_ve_aciklamalar.pdf
  • Nakiboğlu, C. (2021). Analysis of the experiments in the science high school chemistry textbooks in terms of the purpose of the 2018 science high school chemistry curriculum for experimental study. Journal of Turkish Chemical Society Section C: Chemistry Education (JOTCSC), 6(2), 209-239. https://doi.org/10.37995/jotcsc.991061
  • Ozdemir, O., Ozdemir, P.G., Kadak, M.T., & Nasiroglu, S. (2012). Personality development. Current Approaches in Psychiatry, 4(4), 566-589. https://doi.org/10.5455/cap.20120433.
  • Sayin, V., Orbay, K., & Altunay-Şam, E. (2019). Research of 5th grade mathematics textbook in terms of our values. IBAD Journal of Social Sciences, Special Issue, 161-171.
  • Schwartz, S. H. (2012). An overview of the Schwartz theory of basic values. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.9707/2307-0919.1116
  • Sevim, O., & Er, E. (2023). Examination of trends in graduate studies on character and values education. Journal of EKEV Academy, Special Issue, 268-281. https://doi.org/10.17753/sosekev.1352803
  • Şen, Ş., & Temel, S. (2023). Examining the secondary education 9th grade chemistry textbook in terms of the dimensions of the nature of science. Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Journal of Faculty of Education, 23(3), 1477-1496.
  • Ünal, S., & Benzer, A. İ. (2024a). Examining textbooks in terms of values: example of middle school 6th grade science textbooks. Journal of Bayburt Education Faculty, 19(41), 1549-1574. https://doi.org/10.35675/befdergi.1281697
  • Ünal, S., & Benzer, A. İ. (2024b). The examination of middle school 5th grade science textbooks in values. Educational Academic Research, 53, 65-79. https://doi.org/10.33418/education.1420782
  • Üner, S., Akkuş, H., & Kormalı, F. (2014). The cognitive level of questions in the secondary chemistry textbooks and exams and the relationship with student’s cognitive level. Kırşehir Ahi Evran University Faculty of Education Journal, 15(1), 137-154.
  • Thambusamy, R., & Elier, A. A. (2013). Shaping the bamboo from the shoot: Elementary level character education in Malaysia. Childhood Education, 89(6), 368-378.
  • Turker, A., Dundar, E., & Sozcu, U. (2023). Root values in geography textbooks, E-International Journal of Educational Research, 14(4), 90-107.
  • Ulusoy, K. (2019). Character, values and moral education. Pegem Academy Publishing.
  • Ureyen-Cimen, O., & Ozmantar, M. F. (2023). Investigation of primary school mathematics textbooks in terms of root values. Educational Science and Research Journal (EBAD), 4(2), 337-371. https://doi.org/10.54637/ebad.1309397
  • Yildirim, A. (2006). High school textbooks in Turkey from teachers’ and students’ perspectives: the case of history textbooks. Asia Pacific Education Review, 7, 218-228.
  • Yildirim, A., & Simsek, H. (2008). Qualitative research methods in social sciences (6th Ed.). Seçkin.
  • Yilmaz, E., & Kiran, D. (2023). Examination of middle school science coursebooks in terms of values education. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 12(1), 29-45.
  • Zerman-Kepçeoğlu, G., & İrez, S. (2023). An analysis of the place of the history of science in chemistry textbooks. International e-Journal of Educational Studies, 7 (15), 831-843. https://doi.org/10.31458/iejes.1353829
There are 31 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Chemistry Education
Journal Section Research Article
Authors

Suat Ünal 0000-0002-0495-8385

Ali İhsan Benzer 0000-0002-5032-7058

Medine Sultan Özkan 0000-0001-5843-3122

Early Pub Date October 6, 2025
Publication Date October 11, 2025
Submission Date May 2, 2025
Acceptance Date September 5, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 13 Issue: 26

Cite

APA Ünal, S., Benzer, A. İ., & Özkan, M. S. (2025). The Examination of Turkish High School Chemistry Textbooks for Values. Journal of Computer and Education Research, 13(26), 1364-1385.

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