An implementation of tolerance training in a Geography lesson: Students opinions

People around the world differ in race, language, religion, gender, and social and economic traits. Peace and calmness in the world can be created by teaching the value of "tolerance" to all people. In this age, war, violence and terror occur frequently. Thus, it was particularly important that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared 1995 as The Year for Tolerance. Tolerance training is an important subject and it cannot be restricted to certain courses and curricula. Therefore, this study is a sample practice about how tolerance training can be provided in a Geography lesson. The study also determined students' evaluations about the practice. This study employs a qualitative design. The participants are the ninth grade students in Ataturk Technical and Industrial Vocational High School. The author has recorded the process of the practice and collected the opinions of all students by means of a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. The data were analyzed using content analysis. The study results indicated that a geography lesson offers a fine opportunity for tolerance training. However, the teaching and learning environment needs to be organized well. Key words: Tolerance, tolerance training, Geography lesson, ninth grade students.