My Emerging Philosophy of Social Studies Education
Social studies is a powerful subject for a teacher to teach. It is the study of people and civilizations in the past and the present. It is a study of time, change, culture, and connections. It educates students about society and humanity, and teaches them how to be active and productive citizens. Social studies content is crucial for assisting student in analyzing the world around them, especially in an era of increasing globalization. It incorporates civic education, which provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to be active participants in a democratic nation. In essence, social studies can help students better understand and advocate for issues that are important to them. Teachers, therefore, are responsible for presenting the subject effectively to their students. Before any learning can take place, students must feel comfortable, open, and safe in their environment. The first thing every teacher must do is to ensure that all of these factors are present in his or her classroom. Emotional safety is especially important. Due to the fact that school is a social experience, students must feel able to have positive social interactions with their teachers and peers. Once this is established, students can feel comfortable in contributing to class discussions. By participating in this way, students can more easily develop a focus on inquiry and an interest in learning.
Another responsibility that teachers hold is the responsibility of ensuring that every student is reached. Overall, teachers should be able to connect with students of all different backgrounds. Each students is unique and has their own qualities and traits that they bring to the table, and teachers need to know how to appreciate and work with all of them. For example, teacher should be able to challenge gifted students as well as students with special needs. Teachers should also be able to work with students of all different cultures and socioeconomic statuses. Through differentiated teaching techniques, teachers can reach all of their students. If only one method of teaching is employed, the learning of all students is curtailed. Each student learns differently, and it is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that there is a way provided that works for each and every student.
A final responsibility that I believe all teachers have is to push their students above and beyond the standards. Illinois standards for social studies education are crucial to meet, but teachers should not stop there. The goals of a teacher should go beyond providing information and skills to students, and should include fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and a desire for learning in students. As influential figures in students' lives, teachers should also behave as a role model to educate their students. By demonstrating passion, respect, and responsibility in the classroom, teachers can teach their students more than just subject matter. They can teach their students vital life skills.
Overall, teaching comes with many important responsibilities. Effectively delivering subject matter to students, promoting student safety and comfort, pushing students beyond the standards, and achieving teacher-student connections are all vital to the learning process and are all the responsibility of the teacher. To fulfill these responsibilities, teachers should constantly utilize reflective practice to improve upon their approach and their teaching technique, as there is always room for improvement. With the futures of students in their hands, teachers must constantly strive to provide the best quality education possible. The job of a teacher is never done, as students always deserve constant improvement, care, and passion for subject matter from a teacher.
© 2016 Yulia Cook | Last Updated: November 2016
Another responsibility that teachers hold is the responsibility of ensuring that every student is reached. Overall, teachers should be able to connect with students of all different backgrounds. Each students is unique and has their own qualities and traits that they bring to the table, and teachers need to know how to appreciate and work with all of them. For example, teacher should be able to challenge gifted students as well as students with special needs. Teachers should also be able to work with students of all different cultures and socioeconomic statuses. Through differentiated teaching techniques, teachers can reach all of their students. If only one method of teaching is employed, the learning of all students is curtailed. Each student learns differently, and it is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure that there is a way provided that works for each and every student.
A final responsibility that I believe all teachers have is to push their students above and beyond the standards. Illinois standards for social studies education are crucial to meet, but teachers should not stop there. The goals of a teacher should go beyond providing information and skills to students, and should include fostering curiosity, analytical thinking, and a desire for learning in students. As influential figures in students' lives, teachers should also behave as a role model to educate their students. By demonstrating passion, respect, and responsibility in the classroom, teachers can teach their students more than just subject matter. They can teach their students vital life skills.
Overall, teaching comes with many important responsibilities. Effectively delivering subject matter to students, promoting student safety and comfort, pushing students beyond the standards, and achieving teacher-student connections are all vital to the learning process and are all the responsibility of the teacher. To fulfill these responsibilities, teachers should constantly utilize reflective practice to improve upon their approach and their teaching technique, as there is always room for improvement. With the futures of students in their hands, teachers must constantly strive to provide the best quality education possible. The job of a teacher is never done, as students always deserve constant improvement, care, and passion for subject matter from a teacher.
© 2016 Yulia Cook | Last Updated: November 2016