Chapter 1 Defining Social Studies

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Thinking Ahead What do you associate with or think of when you hear the words social studies? What memories do you have of your social studies instruction? Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition Defining Social Studies Chapter Overview What is Social Studies? What Is Involved in Social Studies Teaching and Learning? How is the Social Studies Curriculum Structured?

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition What is Social Studies? The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS; 1994), defines social studies as follows: “Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence. Within the school program, social studies provides coordinated, systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. (p. 3)

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies What is Social Studies? Social Studies is is designed to promote civic competence. Social Studies integrates or incorporates many academic areas.

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Four essential characteristics 1. Nurtures the development of the whole person. 2. Involves relationships. 3. Is concerned with life experiences. 4. Enables the learner to critically examine and define their values (personal, cultural & political). pages 5 & 6 Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies What is Involved in Social Studies Teaching and Learning? 1. Creating Powerful Teaching and Learning Experiences 2. Using Best Practice in Social Studies Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Creating Powerful Teaching and Learning Experiences Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition MeaningfulIntegrative Value based ChallengingActive Social Studies instruction is effective when it is….

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Make it meaningful Go beyond a random collection of disconnected information – teach to a theme - look for ways to connect the topic to today’s world – and their world! (Know your students as well as your subject.) Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Integrate with other subjects Seek ways to integrate social studies across the curriculum – language arts, math, science, music & art can be used to explain, explore or reinforce ideas from social studies class. Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition booksofart.com/.../renaissance-art-03.jpg knowledgenews.net/moxie/moxiepix/a1288.jpg

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Make it value based. Invite your students to explore the ethical dimensions of socials studies concepts. This is not telling them what to value or pointing out right or wrong on the issues of the day – be sure to present both sides when such discussions occur. “Encourage them to develop their own opinions & come to their own conclusions.” pg. 6 Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Challenge them! Lessons should address specific curricular goals & lesson plan objectives. Allow students choice in assignment completion. Use open-ended activities & assignments that let them show their own potential – in creativity, imagination & thinking. Use Bloom’s taxonomy and multiple intelligence theory to vary levels & types of thinking. Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Get them involved, make it active. Students learn best when they are actively engaged in interesting activities that allow them to manipulate ideas & practice skills. When you present new information, allow them time to absorb & use that information. Students learn more by doing & less by passively listening – (me teaching is not the same as them learning!) Take field trips, use creative dramatics, role play, partner activities, etc. Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition nhw.pl/wp/wp-content/uploads/bored.jp g

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Best Practices in Social Studies Students of social studies should have regular opportunities to investigate topics in depth, and to participate in the choosing of these topics. Social studies teaching should involve exploration of open questions that challenge students’ thinking. Social studies should involve students both in independent inquiry and cooperative learning. Social studies should involve students in reading, writing, observing, discussing, and debating to ensure their active participation in learning. Evaluation in social studies should be designed to value students’ thinking and their preparation to become responsible citizens, rather than rewarding memorization of decontextualized facts. Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies How is the Social Studies Curriculum Structured? Approaches to Social Studies Curriculum Standards The NCSS Standards Disciplinary Standards Thematic Standards Pedagogical Standards Essential Skills for Social Studies The No Child Left Behind Act Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Approaches to Social Studies Curriculum Widening Horizons Curriculum Traditional approach This approach starts with the child first studying things in their local environment and expands outward in concentric circles as it moves up in grades Spiral Curriculum This approach is designed to introduce key concepts or themes in the early grades and /to reinforce or expand them at successively higher levels as students move through the grades. Issues Centered This approach is centered around social issues. Students is knowledge and skills from a variety of subject areas and incorporate many modes of thinking in coming to understand as issue. Three forms of issue centered curriculum 1) Correlated Curriculum 2) Fused Curriculum 3) Core Curriculum Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies Standards Standards define what we are teaching and what we expect students to know and be able to do as a result of instruction. NCSS Standards Subject Matter Standards Disciplinary Standards Thematic Standards Pedagogical Standards Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies NCSS Disciplinary Standards Disciplinary Standards describe what students should be able to do in each of the four subject areas: History Geography Civics and Government Economics Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies NCSS Thematic Standards The NCSS thematic standards describe what students should be able to do as a result of social studies instruction. Ten NCSS Thematic Standards Culture Time, Continuity, and Change People, Places, and Environment Individual Development and Identity Individuals, Group, and Institutions Power, Authority, and Governance Production, Distribution, and Consumption Science, Technology, and Society Global Connections Civic Ideals and Practice Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies NCSS Pedagogical Standards Social studies teachers should poses the knowledge, capabilities, and disposition to accomplish the following standards: Learning and Development Differences in Learning Style Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Performance Skills Active Learning and Motivation Inquiry, Collaboration, and Supportive Classroom Interaction Planning Instruction Assessment Reflection and Professional Growth Professional Leadership Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition

Chapter 1: Defining Social Studies No Child Left Behind Basics of the NCLB law – page 19 The Big Plan – page 20 Some Specific Problems with NCLB – pg. 23 Making Connections in Elementary and Middle School Social Studies, Second Edition