COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Within the framework of the NY State Standards and the Common Core Standards, this course reflects a concern for engaging in effective social studies teaching for all learners. In this course, students will explore the necessary pedagogical balance between teaching historical content knowledge and teaching skills that promote, among other things, successful historical reading, writing, and critical thinking. Attention is given to an appreciation of the diversity that characterizes the nation (and the world), and the use of multiple types of sources to enrich historical understanding. We will examine the teaching of Social Studies from a variety of angles, and strive to describe and apply curricular and pedagogical approaches that are effective, relevant, and engaging for our students.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of New York City, New York State, National Council for the Social Studies, and Common Core standards as they apply to the teaching of social studies in middle and high school.
• Demonstrate competence in using teaching strategies specific to higher-level thinking and skills associated with the various academic disciplines, which comprise adolescent social studies (i.e., history, geography, government, and economics).
• Demonstrate knowledge of effective teaching strategies in the secondary social studies classroom, including the teaching of content, reading skills, writing skills, research skills, and analytical/critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to adapt pedagogy to address the diverse learning styles and needs of students by differentiating instruction within the classroom.
• Demonstrate knowledge of assessment standards and methods to monitor students’ understanding and progress and evaluate students’ achievement.
• Develop effective, student-centered lesson and unit plans that align teaching procedures and assessments with NYS/NYC social studies curriculum standards and Common Core standards as well as academic outcome goals.
• Accumulate a set of resources and best practices for potential use the following year.