Research article | Open Access
Journal of Innovative Research in Teacher Education 2026, Vol. 7(1) 14-24
pp. 14 - 24
Publish Date: March 24, 2026 | Single/Total View: 0/0 | Single/Total Download: 0/0
Abstract
The primary goal of this research is to demonstrate how museums and historical sites are used in social studies instruction and to thoroughly explore classroom teachers' perspectives on this practice. Using a case study approach, one of the qualitative research methods, the study involved 10 classroom teachers from different socio-economic regions during the 2024–2025 school year. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with content analysis. The findings reveal that teachers see field trips to museums and historical sites as helping students understand historical concepts better and promoting long-term learning by making these concepts more concrete, while also significantly contributing to social studies instruction. Additionally, it was found that careful planning before trips and the use of digital technologies improve the quality of education. However, challenges such as security concerns, transportation issues, and organizational difficulties limit teachers. Despite these operational challenges, the strong positive effect of field experiences on student engagement suggests that the educational benefits outweigh the logistical problems. Overall, the study shows that place-based learning can not only support but also transform social studies teaching by shifting from a traditional classroom setting to a more interactive, experience-based approach.
Keywords: Social studies, Museum, Historical site, Place-based learning, Teacher views
APA 7th edition
Korkmaz, E., & Avci, G. (2026). Teachers' views on the use of museum and historical site trips in social studies teaching. Journal of Innovative Research in Teacher Education, 7(1), 14-24.
Harvard
Korkmaz, E. and Avci, G. (2026). Teachers' views on the use of museum and historical site trips in social studies teaching. Journal of Innovative Research in Teacher Education, 7(1), pp. 14-24.
Chicago 16th edition
Korkmaz, Erkan and Gorkem Avci (2026). "Teachers' views on the use of museum and historical site trips in social studies teaching". Journal of Innovative Research in Teacher Education 7 (1):14-24.
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