Philosophy of Social Studies
To enhance student’s cultural awareness and understanding of a democratic society, I believe social studies instruction must be…
Meaningful
I achieve this by…
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drawing content from multiple disciplines to better connect to students prior knowledge
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discussing relevant topics that will help prepare students for life and citizenship in general
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emphasizing really world applications and live connections to social studies material
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incorporating a wide range of instructional tools: textbooks, magazines, newspapers, timelines, internet, media, etc.
Culturally Diverse
I achieve this by…
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having students relating there lives to those of different cultures
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grouping students based upon varying perspectives, backgrounds and experience
Ranging in Instructional Approaches
I achieve this by…
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planning engaging tasks that compel students to think and learn on their own; e.g., classroom debates, role-play, and inquiry bases research activities
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having students construct learning resources to be used to enhance learning (timelines, maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, or lists of big ideas
Cross-Curricular
I achieve this by...
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having students understand that social studies is a part of their everyday life
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connecting social sills and life skills throughout all content areas and demonstrating the importance of these skills
Taught within a Global Perspective
I achieve this by…
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explaining that communities and neighborhoods are part of a large world
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connecting to history, geography, and the social studies (anthropology, economics, and political science) in a balanced manner
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having the primary emphasis on preparation for life in general