Ufuk SÖZCÜ
DOI: 10.14689/ejer.2021.92.14

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Earthquakes in Turkey is one of the most natural disasters causing loss of life and property. Earthquake training is the most important way to reduce the damage caused by earthquakes that cannot be prevented from the formation. Given that the education level of the citizens of the country increases, it is possible to reduce the harmful effects of earthquakes. It would be beneficial to learn these rules for students and parents in formal education. In this context, in our study, some activities were designed within the frame of ‘earthquake week’ to examine the contribution of these activities to students’ earthquake education.

Method: In this study, a mixed method was used using a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools. In a high school located in Kastamonu province, a hazard hunt questionnaire, an earthquake drill, an earthquake information seminar and an interview form in which activities were evaluated were applied. These activities were applied to 250 high school students during the earthquake week. The data obtained were analyzed by SPSS 20 and content analysis.

Findings: It was observed that the students realized that the unstructured risks to earthquakes were quite high in their homes and the building they lived in, but their parents’ attempts to correct them were limited. It was stated that the earthquake drill and informative seminar were very useful for the students. As a result of the training given and the questionnaires applied, it was concluded that there was a significant improvement in students’ knowledge, attitude and behavior towards earthquake.

Implications for Research and Practice: In light of the results, it has been proposed that earthquake week activities be held in all formal educational institutions within the specific plan and program.

Keywords: Earthquake education, formal education, hazard hunting, earthquake drill, earthquake information seminar.