Conceptual Framework for Social Studies Education

1
Conceptual Framework forSocial Studies Education

• John F. vonEschenbach
• State University of West Georgia

2
Social Studies Education Definition and Purpose

• Social Studies is the integrated study of social
  sciences (anthropology, economics, geography,
  history, political science, psychology, and
  sociology), humanities, and sciences to promote
  civic competence.
• Primary purpose is to help young people develop
  the ability to make informed and reasoned
  decisions for the public good.

3
Knowledge Strands

• Culture
• Time, Continuity, and Change
• People, Places, and Environments
• Individual Development and Identity
• Individuals, Groups, and Institutions

4
Knowledge Strands (cont.)

• Power, Authority, and Governance
• Production, Distribution, and Consumption
• Science, Technology, and Society
• Global Connections and Interdependence
• Civic Ideals and Practice

5
Social Attitudes and Values

• Develop a reasoned commitment to public values
• Be able to deal with value conflicts
• Develop a reasoned loyalty to this nation
• Treat oneself and others with respect
• Develop a feeling of kinship to all humans

6
Civic Skills

• Democratic Participation Skills
• Study Skills
• Intellectual Skills

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Social Studies Education Rationale

• Help children to explain their world through the
  social sciences, humanities, and sciences.
• Provide a forum for children to understand and
  practice democracy.
• Help children along the journey to positive
  self-development.
• Allow children to develop effective and critical
  decision making strategies.

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Social Studies Resources

• For description of Social Studies Education
  knowledge strands, go to
• http//www.socialstudies.org/standards/strands/
• For worthwhile Social Studies Education
  publications, go to
• http//www.socialstudies.org/publications/
• For teacher resources, lesson plans, and trade
  books for young learners, go to
• http//www.socialstudies.org/classroom/