Issues in Social Studies: Voices from the Classroom

The purpose of this book is to facilitate the critical dialogue needed in social education, and it addresses the theme that social studies can be much more than a teacher-centered discipline that perpetuates the status quo. Chapters are provided by those ³closest to the action² and offer unique and much needed perspectives into issues and trends in social education. These chapters provide a starting point for new approaches to curriculum, instruction, assessment, and other components of social education. Examples of topics addressed include transforming issues in social studies, technology issues and technorealism, citizenship education, controversial issues, issues- centered social studies, social justice and critical pedagogy, integrating current events, multicultural social studies, cooperative learning, primary social studies, critical thinking and inquiry, professional development, teacher empowerment and the democratic classroom, and teacher education and the modern postmodern debate. This text provides an opportunity to really investigate and analyze what is going on in the name of social education. Its purpose is to facilitate proactive and transformative approaches, and it is intended for educators and anyone else interested in the development of social studies and citizenship education in this society.