EDU 4250 Methods of Teaching Middle Grades and Secondary Social Studies

This study of the materials and methods of teaching social studies emphasizes planning, organization, objectives and evaluation.

Credits

4 sh

Prerequisite

EDU 3550; PSY 3820; admission to Teacher Education; completed application for student teaching.

Corequisite

EDU 4150

Offered

• Fall

Course Outcomes

1. Students will be able to understand the purposes of social studies education in the 21st century
2. Students will be able to summarize the National Council for the Social Studies curriculum standards and state-specific standards for middle and secondary social studies education
3. Students will be able to identify a variety of curricular resources for teaching middle and secondary social studies
4. Students will be able to design, implement, and evaluate units and lessons that are aligned with state and national standards, are developmentally appropriate, and engage students in critical
   thinking and inquiry-based learning
5. Students will be able to apply culturally responsive and sustaining teaching strategies that respect and integrate students' diverse backgrounds and promote an inclusive classroom environment
6. Students will be able to apply contemporary research in cognitive psychology
7. Students will be able to use a range of formative and summative assessment tools to evaluate student learning and provide meaningful feedback, while also adapting instruction based on assessment
   results
8. Students will be able to implement effective classroom management strategies that foster a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment, encouraging student engagement and responsibility
9. Students will be able to encourage middle and secondary students to think critically, analyze primary and secondary sources, and engage in historical inquiry and social science research
   methods
10. Students will be able to prepare middle and secondary students to become informed, responsible citizens who understand the principles of democracy, civic responsibility, and the role of the individual
    in a democratic society
11. Students will be able to integrate technology effectively into social studies instruction to enhance student learning, including the use of digital resources, multimedia presentations, and online
    research tools
12. Students will be able to engage in continuous reflection on teaching practices, including the use of peer feedback, self-assessment, and professional development opportunities to improve
    instructional effectiveness
13. Students will be able to Understand and adhere to the ethical and professional responsibilities of a social studies educator, including equity, fairness, and respect for all students