Thursday, October 25, 2007
Social Studies and Technology
After reading Chapter 12 I was a little discouraged about the lack of attention and funds for the area of Social Studies. Because of social studies not being included in statewide assessements and standardized testing it does not receive equal resources for materials, especially in the area of technology. This is another challenge for teachers in the upper levels with a Social Studies concentration. As an educator in this field, one will be called upon to be creative and prudent in their use of provided materials and possibly use of some of their own resources. Investigating the free technology available will be necessary as a Social Studies teacher to be able to incorporate new and creative ideas into their lesson plans. Another glaring example of the lack of funding for areas outside the realm of statewide assessments and the reduction in offerings would be the arts. As a parent today I am very concerned about the narrow focus our children are exposed to in the schools today - english, math, and writing. Please don't misunderstand me - these are all extremely important in a child's education and probably, for a certain period of time, were not focused on enough. In an age, though, where the potential of unlimited resources are available to bring such vast and diverse information to our children I feel some of the schools today are falling short because of the obsession with standardized testing and assessment.
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4 comments:
I think every educator would agree with your comments. None of us like to have to present lesson after lesson on reading, writing, and math. Although, we do not have any choice. Incorporating technology into the lesson can be a way to "spice things up" for the students. As for the lack of funding going to social studies, that is very evident. As more and more push goes to what might be called the major three (math, reading, and writing) the more shove goes to social and physical sciences, art and other programs in school including the much need recess for students. The good thing though is that as a teacher, you can incorporate social studies into reading or writing by picking and choosing themes and materials wisely. Incorporation and emphasis of these subjects can be accomplished by a skilled maticulate teacher who can tweek lesson plans and integrate those into the "major three". And it can be done, but time and effort are the barriers in not just the lives of educators, but the lives of all.
Hey, I just wanted to write and say thanks for the compliments you gave me on my blog. It means a lot and I really appreciate it. I hope all is well with you and have a great weekend. Oh yeah, I agree with your post about the lack of attention to social studies. I find it embarrassing when Americans don't even know our own history. We have to know where we have been in order to know where we should go.
Ahh, yes, all of those seemingly "unimportant" subjects. I have to say I think it's truly awful that the government regards subjects such as music, art, social studies as lesser subjects. And yes, the core subjects are essential but as far as I'm concerned so are the ones that aren't necessarily "intellectual". Besides a student who has learning difficulties or does not have a strong aptitude for the core subjects can benefit hugely (both intellectually and from the point of view of self-esteem) from those subjects that challenge a student's creativity, provide them with a sense of belonging in a society, giving them an udnerstanding of where they fit in the world. And speaking as a European, a subject such as history is invaluable. How can you understand where you're going as a society and a culture if you don't understand where you've been (ooh - totally wierd, I just read Jeff's comments and realised I'd written exactly the same thing!). Well said Jeff!
I hate that social studies are pushed aside. I feel too much is stressed on language arts and math as well. I talked about this chapter in my blog and have the same feelings. I did feel the chapter gave some interesting ideas on how to incorporate technology into social studies. Good luck on the third lesson and project!
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