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Our Vision
Our Vision
Social Studies in Darien is largely driven by an inquiry approach. Students will generate questions based upon their curiosity of the world around them in combination with observations about experiences presented by the teacher. This approach offers students the opportunity to expand existing knowledge through authentic, student centered exploration of essential questions. In this instructional framework teachers act as guides and coaches. Various forms of technology are woven into these experiences to give students authentic applications for technology skills. Process and performance assessments will measure student growth and provide feedback for instructional planning.
Social Studies in Darien is largely driven by an inquiry approach. Students will generate questions based upon their curiosity of the world around them in combination with observations about experiences presented by the teacher. This approach offers students the opportunity to expand existing knowledge through authentic, student centered exploration of essential questions. In this instructional framework teachers act as guides and coaches. Various forms of technology are woven into these experiences to give students authentic applications for technology skills. Process and performance assessments will measure student growth and provide feedback for instructional planning.
Inquiry should guide the teaching of social studies at all levels. By our definition, inquiry instruction is based on both teachers and students asking(and answering) compelling questions; social studies instruction should consist of more than a teacher solely telling students “what they need to know.”
Inquiry should guide the teaching of social studies at all levels. By our definition, inquiry instruction is based on both teachers and students asking(and answering) compelling questions; social studies instruction should consist of more than a teacher solely telling students “what they need to know.”
Student investigation of subject matter is the most critical component of inquiry. Teachers must carefully guide students through the inquiry process, true inquiry allows students to construct their own questions and, with the guidance and support of skilled teachers, conduct inquiry on their own. Inquiry eliminates the old “skills vs. content” dilemma; to successfully engage in an inquiry activity, students and teachers will have to use both. The social studies frameworks emphasize these skills in the service of helping students discover rich social studies content. Inquiry should not be the only method of instruction that a teachers uses in a social studies classroom, but it should be used on a consistent and regular basis.
Student investigation of subject matter is the most critical component of inquiry. Teachers must carefully guide students through the inquiry process, true inquiry allows students to construct their own questions and, with the guidance and support of skilled teachers, conduct inquiry on their own. Inquiry eliminates the old “skills vs. content” dilemma; to successfully engage in an inquiry activity, students and teachers will have to use both. The social studies frameworks emphasize these skills in the service of helping students discover rich social studies content. Inquiry should not be the only method of instruction that a teachers uses in a social studies classroom, but it should be used on a consistent and regular basis.
---The Connecticut Frameworks
---The Connecticut Frameworks
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