Teaching Social Studies in Middle and Secondary Schools

Designed to assist pre-service and in-service educators to effectively teach social studies while preparing their middle and secondary school students to become reflective, competent, and concerned citizens, this accessible text is a contemporary and comprehensive introduction to teaching social studies that draws on proven theory, sound research, and the wisdom of experienced teachers. This comprehensive introduction to the art, science, and craft of social studies teaching in the middle and secondary grades examines the origins and evolving state of the social studies and citizenship across the United States, provides "hands-on" guidelines for applying social studies theory to actual classroom practice, and explores the ferment, controversies, and challenges that characterize social studies teaching in the middle and secondary grades today. It features an abundance of instructional models, applications, and examples -- all thoroughly grounded in proven theory, research, and practitioner wisdom. Continuing in the tradition of social studies innovator Peter Martorella and taking a constructivist approach, the authors address current issues such as a global perspective, diversity, technology, inclusion, and teacher certification. Organized in three parts, the text first examines the origins and evolution of social studies and citizenship education across the United States. Following this, targeted chapters address the art, science, and craft of social studies teaching as a means for engaging learners in knowledge construction. In the final section, the authors look at ways to improve social studies instruction through the incorporation of emerging technologies, and explore the implications of the rich cultural diversity within our nation.

Part I: The State of Social Studies and Citizenship Education    

Chapter 1: Perspectives on the Social Studies   

Chapter 2: Supersizing Social Studies   

Chapter 3: Building Social Concern in a Globally and Culturally Diverse World

 

Part II: Developing Reflective, Competent, and Concerned Citizens      

Chapter 4: Organizing and Planning for Teaching Social Studies

Chapter 5: Promoting Learning Through Reflective Inquiry        

Chapter 6: Engaging Students in Collaborative Learning

Chapter 7: Skills for Citizenship Education

Chapter 8: Adapting Social Studies Instruction to Individual Needs       

 

Part III: Preparing and Assessing Student Readiness for 21st Century Citizenship

Chapter 9: Using Technology to Enhance Social Studies Instruction

Chapter 10: Evaluating and Assessing Student Learning

 

References

Index