Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
9. ULUSLARARASI TÜRKLERİN DÜNYASI SOSYAL BİLİMLER SEMPOZYUMU, Baku, Azerbaycan, 10 - 11 Ekim 2025, cilt.2, ss.216-229, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
Access to clean water and hygiene maintenance are essential for public health and sustainable living. This study examined the perceptions of candidate teachers regarding clean water accessibility and hygiene in the context of Turkish education. Using qualitative methodology, data were collected from 40 candidate teachers in their first and third years through semi-structured interviews. The thematic content analysis revealed two primary themes: clean water and hygiene. Participants underscored the significance of clean water for life, health, comfort, and well-being, while expressing concerns about water scarcity and its societal implications. Hygiene was perceived as personal cleanliness and a moral and social obligation, contributing to health, quality of life, and societal order. The participants associated both concepts with ethical, emotional, and practical dimensions, reflecting a value-driven understanding of sustainability. The findings suggest that, while teacher candidates comprehend personal hygiene and water access, they possess a limited understanding of systemic sustainability issues. The implications for teacher education include the integration of experiential learning, reflective discussions, and community-based projects to foster a comprehensive understanding of sustainability. Future research should involve larger and more diverse samples and investigate changes in perceptions of water and hygiene over time. This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the necessity of incorporating ethical and reflective sustainability perspectives into teacher education programmes.
Keywords: Clean water, Hygiene, Teacher candidates, Sustainability education, Qualitative research.