1. Principles of Powerful Teaching and Learning for Social Studies
EDEL 420
Susan M. Connolly

2. Meaningful Connected to students’ lives inside and outside of school
Depth of understanding of key concepts: teach for understanding, appreciation, life application
Sustained focus and examination on a few key concepts rather than superficial coverage of many

3. Meaningful Activities and Assessment
Activities focus student’s attention on the most important ideas
Assessments match activities: Authentic, classroom based, on-going

4. Integrative Topics integrate more than one discipline
Topics integrate across time (eras) and space (locations)
Teaching integrates knowledge, skills, beliefs, values, attitudes, and leads to action
Includes effective use of technology
Teaching integrates across the curriculum: Math, literacy (reading and writing), science…….

5. Value-Based
The controversial issues and ethical dimensions of topics are viewed from the perspective of concern for the common good and application of common, democratic social values
Emphasizes critical thinking
Recognizes variety of views
Respect for well-supported perspectives
Sensitivity to cultural similarities and differences
Commitment to social responsibility

6. Active
For the teacher, active teaching requires reflective thinking and decision-making AS events unfold during teaching
Students actively involved in AUTHENTIC knowledge constructing activities
Includes interactive discourse
Teacher’s role moves from guiding, modeling, explaining, giving information………….
TO supporting student-led discovery, independence

7. Challenging
Students expected to accomplish the learning goals – both as individuals and as groups
Teachers show respect for students’ thinking but demand (define this..) well reasoned arguments. THINK IT THROUGH
Teachers model thoughtful inquiry and support similar qualities in the students

8. Acknowledgments
Expectations of Excellence: Curriculum Standards for Social Studies