Final Reflection

Final Reflection

Block CUAI 4220

          How can we integrate social studies?  How can we encourage ALL school districts to keep social studies teaching proactive?  That is truly what I have learned this semester is the importance and appreciation for social studies.  The curriculum in this class and in my field observation class has taught me that I can integrate and support social studies teaching.

          Basically it is simple!  There are several examples of an active learning environment in the classroom.  Social studies can be taught by having students participate in a living history museum.  This is what I got to participate in.  I was unsure if I would enjoy this assignment and if I would learn anything from it.  I learned a lot and truly enjoyed it.  I think this is a great assignment for my students.  They can relate the information they learn with their peers.  This will help them retain the information better.  Other forms of active learning are fieldtrips, plays, reader’s theater and photo diaries.  The photo diary is a different approach.  I took pictures of random objects and reflected it to social studies events and learning.  Keeping students active in their learning helps them absorb and retain information.  Let’s teach our students to “absorb” not just “do” history.

          If you’re going to keep your students active, it is important to keep consistent classroom management.  Why not let the students play a role in planning the classroom management in the classroom?  Teach in a democratic state of mind.  Show your students respect and they will respect you.  Allow the class, along with your guidance, to form the rules and vote on duties and jobs that need to be followed in the classroom. 

          Teach your students to form their own opinions and find the facts.  Where can we find the facts?  Do all social studies texts books tell the truth?  Even though we are teachers we may not have all the answers.  (It’s ok for your students to know this.)  Teach them to investigate and research.  This will support their learning through comprehension and critical thinking skills.  Don’t get me wrong I am not trying to bash textbooks.  Textbooks are a good resource, but it is important that we back up information by taking advantage of technology, reading maps, and other forms of literature related to social studies.

          How will I have enough time to teach history, geography, government, culture, diversity, and citizenship?  EASY,  Integration!  Integration is a teacher’s best friend. Fortunately my mentoring teacher this semester integrated social studies every day.  Keep it simple and learn to add social studies in your everyday language.  For example, if the students are acting up ask them, “Are we acting like good citizens?”  Turn it into a citizenship lesson.  Provide a variety of social studies literature in your classroom.

          However you choose to teach social studies is up to you and your students learning styles but whatever you do TEACH IT!  Remember, everything that happens around us, whether it is a natural disaster or an economic collapse, affect we the people of the world.  Teach your students this.  It will teach them to be socially responsible and socially compassionate.  Your students are the world’s future citizens.