Oxford University Press
The innovative approach to social studies
By Pat Lunt , teacher and author of Oxford Primary Social Studies
Social studies helps students gain the knowledge , skills and attitudes they need to become informed global citizens . It gives students the opportunity to explore and understand their own culture and appreciate the part they play in it .
At the heart of the enquiry-based approach to learning is encouraging students to ask questions , develop opinions and draw their own conclusions . Using this approach in social studies allows young learners to become well-adjusted individuals who are able to make a positive contribution to their society at local , national and international levels .
Enquiry-based learning involves the teacher acting as a facilitator and guide and not providing all answers . Teachers encourage students to identify and formulate their own questions and avenues of research . Students also consider practical considerations such as organising collaborative group work and develop their awareness and use of sources of information , such as non-fiction books or suitable web sites on the Internet . Students use these sources to help them answer their own questions and , through thinking and discussion , draw their own conclusions .
What is the enquiry-based approach to social studies ?
Enquiry-based learning is founded on the idea that students have questions about the world . This approach allows them to explore these questions whilst developing cross-curricular skills . The learning model continues with students investigating the issues and information surrounding their question . Through these investigations the students construct new knowledge which they then reflect on and discuss . Students then communicate their new knowledge , thoughts and views in a variety of ways .
The direct relevance of the content of social studies to students ’ lives makes an enquiry-based approach to learning particularly appropriate .
What are the benefits to this approach ?
• Fosters a sense of curiosity about issues , developments and events in students ’ experience at local , national and international levels .
• Develops critical thinking and skills of evaluation
• Involves interdisciplinary skills for maths , geography and history
• Enhances positive personal attributes
• Assists with English language acquisition in a real-life context
How does Oxford Primary Social Studies facilitate this ?
A six-level series of Student Books that provide :
• Clear learning objectives that help students formulate relevant questions
• A text that acts as a source of information and a springboard to further research
• Activities that involve students working individually or in groups to gather information
• Unit spreads that address the development of specific information-gathering skills such as the interpretation of maps , charts and graphs
• Activities in which students discuss their discoveries and share their views and opinions
• Projects where students communicate their findings and share new knowledge
How does Oxford Primary Social Studies support teachers ?
The Teacher ’ s Guide helps teachers prepare medium and long-term plans . The clear structure allows for planning on when each subject area will be addressed , so it can fit in with other curriculum areas as far as possible . It also provides detailed teaching guidance on each unit in the Student ’ s Books making lesson planning easier .
For more information please contact your local Oxford Education Consultant in the UAE : info . uae @ oup . com
26 | Nov - Dec 2016 | | Class Time