The role of prototype memories in social studies teachers’ instructional decision-making processes: An ethnomethodological analysis
Instructional decisions are the judgments teachers make throughout the instructional process about what, how, why, and when to teach. Examining the various dimensions of how teachers structure these decisions can provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the teaching–learning process. This study aimed to explore how social studies teachers’ prototype memories influence their instructional decision-making processes. The research was conducted using an ethnomethodological design grounded in qualitative research methods. The study group consisted of nine social studies teachers working in the province of Nevşehir, selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers and analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that teachers employ prototype memories to guide lesson flow, facilitate classroom management, foster emotional connections with students, and concretize abstract concepts. Teachers perceived these memories as tools for guiding professional identity development and instructional decision-making. However, the study also highlights that prototype memories do not yield uniform effects across all situations. Teachers emphasized considerations such as relevance to the subject, ethical and cultural appropriateness, and timing when utilizing prototype memories in the classroom. Based on these results, teacher education programs should provide learning environments where teacher candidates can share their experiences and develop teaching strategies. Furthermore, the influence of prototype memories on instructional decision-making across disciplines and with larger sample sizes should be investigated in future research.
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Article Information
- Article Type Research Articles
- Submitted September 17, 2025
- Published March 30, 2026
- Issue Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): Pedagogical Perspective (March)
- Section Research Articles
