Social Studies for Secondary Schools: Teaching To Learn, Learning To Teach

This book integrates discussions of educational goals and the nature of history and social studies with ideas for organizing social studies curricula, units, lessons, projects, and activities. Many sections include lesson ideas developed by new and experienced middle school and high school social studies teachers. A major theme woven throughout the book is that what teachers choose to teach and the way they teach reflects their broader understanding of society, history, and the purpose of social studies education. Intended as a primary or supportive text in methods courses for undergraduate and graduate pre-service social studies teachers, this book should also be useful for in-service training programs; as a reference for new social studies teachers; and as a resource for experienced social studies educators who are engaged in rethinking their teaching practice. It is divided into three sections. The first includes chapters that focus on philosophical issues including the reasons for teaching and studying social studies, social studies goals, and the design of social studies curricula. The next examines strategies for planning social studies units and lessons, and includes many sample lesson ideas. The final section explores thematic and interdisciplinary teaching, a project approach to social studies, and assessment of student learning and teacher performance. It concludes with a guide to social studies resource materials and organizations.