My main takeaway for this section of the syllabus is that we can expect to be actively engaged in our learning during class time, rather than passive recipients of a spoonfed curriculum. Based on how our first class went, I assume this means we will be making meaning through thoughtfully designed/selected activities, group discussions and a variety of models through which we will learn both content and process. This sounds wonderful to me.
To make this model work, students should prepare for class thoroughly, participate actively and intentionally, and interact with each other respectfully and thoughtfully. In essence, we each need to do our part to contribute to a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment. This will become especially important as we cover challenging, emotionally-charged subjects such as racism, slavery, immigration, etc. Just as in the elementary classroom, our classroom will need to be a safe space for working through these issues. We must get comfortable talking about challenging material before we can expect to successfully lead students through it, as they will take their cues from us. As such, I am especially interested in learning specific strategies to help cover difficult topics — I am not afraid of digging into emotional stuff, but I want to be sure I am prepared to do so responsibly, and aware of the challenges I’ll face as the facilitator of such discussions: I want to learn how to do it right.
The other critical input for this model is our fabulous instructors, who I assume will also strive to be well-prepared, and respectful — of our ideas, as well as the time and effort we put into preparing for class and doing our best work — and will model many of the best practices that we should bring into the classroom.
I am excited to learn how make Social Studies “…come alive for children…” Despite a childhood full of boring and disconnected social studies classes, I now understand the importance and value of the perspective, context, global awareness, and useful skillset that social studies offers…if it’s taught well. I was pleased to hear about the shift from SOL-driven thinking to a more integrated, balanced approach, and I look forward to working through how that looks in an elementary classroom throughout this course.