A Case for Inquiry in Social Studies
My Perception Changes This Semester
Over the past couple of months, my perception has changed significantly about social studies in K8 classrooms. As a student, I always disliked my social studies classes and was never really motivated to learn or go to those classes. I was always a math and science student and strayed away from social studies and English. Through this class, though, I have gained a new perspective surrounding social studies.
I always viewed social studies classes mainly as history classes (which I never found particularly interesting). I have come to realize, however, that social studies is important and a much encompassing subject. Powerful, inquiry-based social studies lessons are essential for teachers and students to learn and grow together.
I now recognize that there is much more to social studies than simply history. It encompasses other subjects such as economics, civics, and geography, (as explained in the C3 Framework), all of which have a huge impact on students’ lives. It is important that we teach students different aspects of social studies so that they can apply this knowledge in their own lives.
One way ee can do this by encouraging students to have deep conversations about intense topics such as in “Black Is Beautiful,” by Hinderlie and “It’s OK to Be Neither,” by Tempel. I believe that social studies classes can go in so many different directions and allow students to explore so many interesting topics. That is why Authentic Intellectual Work, along with inquiry teaching, are such important aspects of social studies classes.
To enhance authentic intellectual work and inquiry teaching, I have created a list of class characteristics that teachers can use to insure powerful social studies teaching and learning.
It can simply be remembered with the mnemonic ALL:
Ask Questions:
Students can easily be engaged and pushed to think deeper when they are asked or are asking questions. That is why essential questions are critical for every lesson; they are what guide the lessons toward an effective end goal. Teachers, by asking questions and listening to students’ responses are able to have a greater understanding of what the students know and what they need to know more about.
Let the Students Explore:
The questions that are asked lead students to explore. If we provide students with a platform in which they can research and discover things out on their own (by using concepts such as Placed-Based Education), they will have the potential to take their learning into the direction that they want to go.
Learn from Them:
Reviewing student research allows teachers to learn and grow with the students. The questions that students ask may prompt the teacher to learn more by researching to find an answer if they do not already know so. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the students themselves. Teachers are able to see what interests students and learn how they research and process information.
I have come to recognize not only the importance of social studies, but also some of the important parts of teaching certain aspects of the social studies. It is clear that powerful social studies teaching will help teachers take content to the next level, and help students analyze and apply what that is being taught.
