Social Studies in the Elementary School

Course Description

Designed to help educators gain more complete understanding of elementary school social studies. Special emphasis given to evaluation of the field beginning with the separate subjects approach to correlation, to broad fields, to integration, and separate disciplines approach. Emphasis also given to identification of key skills that help children function.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Explain the purpose of social studies education.

  • Explain the components of inquiry-based social studies teaching.

  • Select and adapt social studies resources for elementary students.

  • Evaluate social studies resources for bias and misrepresentation.

  • Plan a learning segment that engages students in a social studies topic, including language supports, discussions, and assessments.

  • Implement instructional strategies that promote equitable participation in classroom discussions and activities.

  • Analyze students' work samples to understand learning and determine next instructional steps.

  • Reflect on the relationship between planning, instruction, and assessment to improve student learning.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure

Percentage/Points

Social Studies Resource Analysis

30%

Inquiry-Based Learning Segment Plan

40%

Assessment Analysis and Reflection

30%

Grading Scale

Percentage

Letter Grade

90 to 100%

A

80 to 89%

B

70 to 79%

C

69 to 60

59 and below

D

F

Attendance/Participation:

Students are expected to attend class, participate in discussions and activities, and complete assigned work by the posted deadlines.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.