Learning Outcomes:
Explain the features of the different approaches and methods in teaching Social Studies.
Strategies are classified into two major types. They are:
1. Expository Strategy
In this strategy, the teacher is the information giver. He gives all the information needed by the pupils, after which, he gives an evaluation or a test. It is advantageous if one considers the amount of knowledge given to the learners. Its disadvantage rests on the fact that the pupils lose their creativity.
2. Enabling Strategy
This is the opposite of expository. Here, the pupils look for the answers themselves to the problems/questions formulated by them also. The teacher acts as guide or facilitator of learning. Its disadvantage is that it is time consuming. However, its greatest asset is that it develops creativity and independence on the part of the learner. Thus, its advantage far offsets its disadvantage.
A teacher may use both the enabling and expository strategies. More weight should be given to the former for obvious reasons, especially in the elementary grades.
Strategies or Methods Used in Teaching Social Studies (Sibika at Kultura/HEKASI)
a. Unit Method
Also known as the problem-solving method.
b. Field trip
It is an out-of-the classroom activity where the pupils observe and study things in their natural setting. It is an effective method because it makes use of all the senses of the learners.
c. Deductive Method
From the known to the unknown
d. Lecture Method
To be used in explaining difficult topics
e. Project Method
It could be any of the following: (a) enjoyment project such as being a member of a club/drama groups; (b) construction or making an instrument, apparatus or visual aids like maps, flag, charts, graphs, posters.
f. Tri-Question Method
To be used in conducting current events lessons. Questions to be asked are:
1) What happened?
2) Why did it happen?
3) What might be the consequences?
g. Moral-Dilemma Method
To be used in conducting lessons involving personal and societal problems of the pupils.
h. Debate
To be used in presenting controversial issues.
i. Modular Method
Modules are teaching materials to be learned in graded steps of difficulty in such a manner that the presentation will result in the efficient rate of understanding and retention among the learners. It was developed by Pressy, Skinner, and Crowder.
j. Reporting
To be done by the learner after he has gathered facts and information about certain questions or problems.
k. Discussion Method
It is one of the common methods used by teachers. It is used to assess pupils' understanding of the topic being studied. In using this method, everyone is given a chance to participate in the discussion
l. Textbook Method
A certain book is Used as a text where all discussions emanate. In Social Studies (Sibika at Kultura/HIEKASI) though, this is not highly recommended except in special cases. Pupils should be trained to use several books for obvious reasons.
m. Participatory Method
It is used to make the learners observe actual happenings for self-fulfillment and learning through direct experience
n. Oral History Method
Pupils in the higher grades should be trained to get historical facts from the senior citizens of the community
o. Survey Method
Many kinds of information can be gathered through survey in which pupils in the higher grades can be trained to do much activity.
p. Demonstration Method
This is teacher-oriented. For example, he demonstrates to the pupils the proper ways of locating places on the map/globe;
q. Chronological Method
This refers to the teaching of history by era- from the pre Spanish period up to the present.
r. Area or Regional Method
The different parts of the country are taught by area or by region so that mastery is achieved.