Social Studies for Secondary Schools: Teaching to Learn, Learning to Teach

by Alan J. Singer

Overview

Now in its fifth edition, this popular text for secondary social studies methods courses integrates discussions of educational goals and the nature of history and social studies with ideas for organizing social studies curricula, units, lessons, projects, and activities. Advocating an inquiry and activity-based view of social studies teaching that respects the points of view of students and teachers, it offers systematic support and open, honest advice for new teachers.

Based in practice and experience, lesson ideas and materials in the book and online are designed to help new teachers address Common Core learning standards, to work in inclusive settings, and to promote literacy and the use of technology in social studies classrooms. Chapters include highlighted Learning Activities, Teaching Activities, and Classroom Activities designed to provoke discussion and illustrate different approaches to teaching social studies and conclude with recommendations for further reading. Features of the fifth edition include:

• Activities called "Think it over," "Add your voice to the discussion," "Try it yourself," and "It’s your classroom” at the end of each chapter
• New topics such as the 1619 Project controversy, Stop WOKE campaigns, academic freedom, and legal restraints on 7–12 teachers
• New content on teaching literacy, including writing, reading, media, computer, and oral literacies
• Approaches to teaching advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and dual enrollment classes
• Multi-disciplinary and project-based teaching that combines history and social studies with the social sciences and other academic disciplines
• Links to the NCSS 3-C framework
• Information on becoming a professional leader through involvement in organizations like the NCSS and teacher unions

Designed for undergraduate and graduate pre-service social studies methods courses, this text is also useful for in-service training programs, as a reference for new social studies teachers, and as a resource for experienced social studies educators who are engaged in rethinking their teaching practice.

This text is supported by online materials, including discussion questions, lesson ideas, and links to lesson materials and activity sheets. You can find the resources here: https://alansinger.net/social-studies-for-secondary-schools/

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032554549
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/23/2024
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	322
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Alan J. Singer is Professor of Secondary Education and Coordinator of Social Studies education in the Department of Teaching, Literacy and Leadership at Hofstra University, USA. He is also an historian, blogger, and retired New York City high school social studies teacher.

Table of Contents

Brief Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1. Who Am I?
I. Thinking about Social Studies
Chapter 2. Why Study History?
Chapter 3. What Is Social Studies?
Chapter 4. What Are Our Goals?
Chapter 5. Is Social Studies Teaching “Political”?
Chapter 6. How Do You Plan a Social Studies Curriculum?
II. Preparing to Teach Social Studies
Chapter 7. How Do You Plan a Social Studies Unit?
Chapter 8. How Do You Plan a Social Studies Lesson?
Chapter 9. What Are the Building Blocks of an Activity-Based Lesson?
III. Implementing Your Ideas
Chapter 10. How Can Social Studies Teachers Plan Controversy-Centered, Thematic, and
Chapter 11. What Is a Project Approach to Social Studies?
Chapter 12. How Should Teachers Assess Student Learning and Our Own Practice?
Chapter 13. What Resources Exist for Social Studies Classrooms and Teachers?