Values hold a significant place in individuals' attitudes, behaviors, and decision-making processes. One of the primary aims of the educational process is to instill these values in students, thereby raising individuals who are beneficial to society. In particular, the social studies course plays an essential role not only in helping students acquire knowledge and skills related to social life but also in transmitting democratic, moral, and cultural values. In this context, the views of social studies teachers on the relationship between values and behaviors provide crucial insights into how these values influence students' behavior and shape the quality of education. The aim of this study is to examine the views of Social Studies teachers about the value-behavior relationship. The research was structured in the case study type, one of the qualitative research methods. A semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers was used as a data collection tool. Data were collected online from 50 teachers working in various cities of Turkey in November 2023. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data obtained from the study. The results obtained from the research findings are as follows. Very few of the root values that are expected to be acquired by students in schools turn into behaviors, and some of them do not transform at all. The three root values that most easily translate into behavior are benevolence, love and friendship; The three most difficult to transform are patience, self-control and justice. The most effective methods or practices for the transformation of values into behavior are being an example, learning by doing, cooperation with the family and education of the family. The most important task for teachers to transform values into behavior is to be a role model/example; The duties of the school administration are to encourage and support teachers and to prepare the necessary environment and conditions for values education. In line with the results of the study, the following suggestions were included: Teachers should exhibit exemplary behaviors to students and reinforce the positive behaviors exhibited by students. The family should be included in the process at all stages of values education. In values education, activities in which students will actively participate should be included, values should be associated with life and students should be given responsibility. The school administration should encourage teachers and prepare the necessary environment and conditions for values education so that values education can function effectively.
Values education, value, behavior, value-behavior relationship, teacher opinions