Overcoming Problems of Marginalization by Reimagining Elementary Social Studies Programs

Informing, transforming, inquiring: Approaches to elementary social studies in methods course syllabi

“…An (2017a) and Tschida and Sevier (2013) find these reforms may perpetuate the marginalization of social studies as teacher educators lose the opportunity to teach with full autonomy or develop true community. Perhaps in response to social studies marginalization, Whitlock et al. (2016) and Burstein (2009) share approaches to elementary teacher preparation program redesigns that place social studies methods courses in more favored positions.…”

“…Lastly, opportunities for teacher candidates to see quality social studies instruction during fieldwork have greatly diminished, making it difficult for PSTs to learn about the teaching of social studies from their mentor or cooperating teachers or put into practice teaching techniques learned in their methods classes (Hawkman et al, 2015;Hubbard, 2013;Lanahan & Yeager, 2008). These struggles have led Whitlock et al (2016) to assert that "teachers are often not well-prepared to teach social studies" (p. 167). Despite these challenges, teacher educators can play a powerful role in reversing some of the negative impacts of marginalization.…”

“…Despite the need for research focused on social studies teacher educators and “their use of curriculum and instruction in their methods and professional development courses,” very little of this research exists (Martell, 2018, p. 223; Whitlock et al., 2016). Heeding calls from Armento (1996) and Butler et al.…”

“…Despite the need for research focused on social studies teacher educators and "their use of curriculum and instruction in their methods and professional development courses," very little of this research exists (Martell, 2018, p. 223;Whitlock et al, 2016). Heeding calls from Armento (1996) and Butler et al (2015) to "survey elementary social studies methods instructors" (p. 129) regarding curricular choices, this study examined course syllabi from 48 elementary social studies methods instructors in the United States to analyze the content, objectives, and assignments of elementary social studies methods courses across the United States.…”

Social Studies Curriculum Integration in Elementary Classrooms: A Case Study on a Pennsylvania Rural School

“…The lack of priority given to social studies is reflected by the minimal time allotted in teaching social studies compared to other core subjects (Fitchett, Heafner, & VanFossen, 2014). However, the effectiveness of curricular integration as a way to increase instructional time for social studies and teach civic competence has not been established based on the first-hand accounts and perceptions of teachers (Whitlock, Brugar, & Halvorsen, 2016).…”