Arab Educational Information Network

This study aims to inquire the social studies teachers’ assessment of the development features in the social and national education textbooks at the elementary stage in the light of the knowledge economy principles. To achieve this, a questionnaire was applied on a random selected sample from the social education teachers in many Saudi educational districts, and the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data. The results of the data analysis revealed the adoption of a list of 43 criteria to design social and civic education textbooks for the elementary stage to meet the requirements of knowledge economy. It was found that the assessment of social studies teachers for the effectiveness of the developed textbooks did not achieve high ratings. More specifically, the majority of the criteria achieved moderate degrees. The study also showed a weakness in many aspects such as aims, content, style of the presentation of the content, multimedia and assessment of students learning. The findings revealed no statistically significant differences among participants’ responses due to their scientific qualifications, teaching experiences, and academic specializations. The study concluded with a number of recommendations that emphasize the importance of reconsidering the development of the books of social and civic education for the elementary stage in light of the principles of the knowledge economy. (Published abstract)