Social Study Strategies In Social Studies

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Building the comparison matrix exposed both the pros and cons of different social studies lesson strategies. There are many things to consider when deciding which path is the correct one. Each instructor will have to weigh the needs of the class with the benefits and flaws of the different strategies. This essay will look at the four learning options and reflect on the findings and the implications for curriculum design, and social studies instruction in meeting today 's standards. Each of the four learning types outlined in the matrix have a number of pluses and minuses. Some cater to specific guidelines, while others are more open to creativity and interpretation. Starting with traditional textbook social studies learning, as well as …show more content…

Integrated lessons have the added benefit of saving the schools time and money by needing only one teacher to educate students in multiple content areas at the same time. Social studies lessons in many areas are marginalized due to lack of time to teach lessons, and the general attitude that social studies should take a backseat to other, more important subjects, leaving teachers with little time for comprehensive social studies lessons (VanFossen, 2005). Despite the fact that integrated lessons allow students to develop reading, writing, and comprehension skills, the actual social studies lessons can get lost when the focus of a lesson shifts more towards the ELA side of things. When planning curriculum using integrated teaching it is sometimes easy to forget that fiction and historical fact do not always line up. It will be of the utmost importance that teachers understand the difference between historical fiction and facts. Some books may provide students with the opportunity to be exposed to new information, new cultures, or new ways of thinking. These books can be hugely beneficial for students when they help students connect with social or political issues that they are currently dealing with in their own communities (Meléndez, 2015). On the topic of teacher expertise, teacher-planned social studies lessons can be some of the most creative and engaging lessons that

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