Historical Foundation of Social Studies

Social Studies was first created as a subject in basic education in the United States. Initially, it was called by various
names. During the colonial period, primary education was focused on the teaching of religion and morality.

After the Revolutionary War, a deep desire to teach in the hearts and minds of the young students’ love for the country
and extensive knowledge of a new nation, schools started teaching history and geography. This became the teaching
trend in schools in the United States for a long time.
 In 1916, the National Education Academy created a board that will review schools’ curriculum. This was the
board assigned to check if the curriculum in primary schools dominated by history and geography meets the
challenges in cultivating citizenship among students.
 The research committee revealed that the curriculum only meets the preparation of the students in their
admission to colleges and universities and gaining skills in reflective thinking. To cultivate citizenship among
students, the board proposed to create Social Studies as a subject in basic education.
Definitions of Social Studies

 Social Studies is the social sciences simplified for pedagogical work. (Wesley, 1951).
 Social Studies is part of the curriculum dedicated to studying how man and his neighbor lived in the past, live in
the present, and will live in the future (Lewenstern, 1981).
 Social Studies is the study of people in their interactions with one another and the process they use in
participating activities, exchanges, and discussions (Schunks, 1981).
 Social Studies is the subject whose purpose is focused on global citizenship; lessons learned from social science,
humanities, and natural sciences; and taught using students’ personal, social, and cultural experiences (Savage
and Armstrong, 1981).
 Social Studies is the study of man as a social being and his lifestyle and interaction with others and with his
environment at a particular time and place (Marsh, 1981).
 Social Studies is integrated study of selected lessons derived from social sciences and humanities for the
development of students’ civic competencies (National Council for Social Studies, 1993)

It is expressed into primary goals:

1. Social understanding

2. Civic efficiency

“Powerful social studies teaching helps develop social understanding and civic efficiency.”

K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum

The K to 12 program covers 13 years of basic education with the following key stages:

● Kindergarten to Grade 3 (K to 3)

● Grades 4 to 6

● Grades 7 to 10 (Junior High School)

● Grades 11 and 12 (Senior High School)

Before the implementation of the 13 years of basic education in the Philippines, our country is the last in the entire
continent of Asia with a 10-year pre-university cycle. A 13-year program is found to be the ‘best’ period of learning
under basic education.

Basis of K to 12 Social Studies Curriculum

“Naging batayan ng K-12 Araling Panlipunan Kurikulum ang mithiin ng

“Edukasyon para sa Lahat 2015” (Education for All 2015) at ang K-12 Philippine Basic Education Curriculum Framework.
Layon ng mga ito na magkaroon ng mga kakayahang kinakailangang sa siglo 21 upang makalinang ng “functionally
literate and developed Filipino.” Nilalayon din ng batayang edukasyon ang pangmatagalang pagkatuto pagkatapos ng
pormal na pag-aaral (lifelong learning). Ang istratehiya sa pagkamit ng mga pangkalahatang layuning ito ay alinsunod sa
ilang teorya sa pagkatuto na konstruktibismo, magkatuwang na pagkatuto (collaborative learning), at pagkatutong
pangkaranasan at pangkonteksto.”
Basic education also aims for lifelong learning after achieving formal education.

Purpose of Social Studies (AP) Curriculum

The purpose of Social Studies is to help shape people to be critical thinkers, reflective, responsible, productive,
environment-friendly, nationalistic, and humane, with a national and global perspective and appreciation of past and
present social issues towards forging a brighter future.

To achieve these goals, it is important to emphasize the related skills in Social Studies:

i. Investigation; ii. analysis and interpretation of information; iii. research; iv. communication , especially essay writing;
and v. adherence to ethical standards.
Social Studies Curriculum Themes
 People, Places, and Environments (Tao, Lipunan, at Kapaligiran)
The relationship of man to society and the environment is a fundamental concept in Social Studies. This theme
emphasizes that man is a part of not only of his community and environment but also of a bigger society.
Under this theme, the students will understand the following:
1.1 The basic concepts of geography, using maps, atlas and simple technological instruments;

1.2 The influence of the physical environment on man and society and the impact of human activities on nature;

1.3 The mobility of man and population, and the causes and effects of mobility; and

1.4 The responsibility of the individual as a member of society and custodian of the environment for sustainable
development.

 Time, Continuity, and Change (Panahon, Pagpapatuloy, at Pagbabago)

It is important a student to see the development of society from ancient times to the present so that he can better
understand himself and his country and thereby be able to form an identity as an individual and a member of society,
nation, and the world.Culture, Identity, and Nationality (Kultura, Pagkakakilanlan, at Pagkabansa)There are aspects of
culture that change while others continue to exist in the present. By studying this theme, it is expected that the student
will develop a unique identity as an individual and Filipino and understand and respect the different cultures in the
Philippines.

 Civic ideals and Practices (Karapatan, Pananagutan at Pagkamamamayan)

It is the citizen’s responsibility to respect the rights of others, regardless of their faith, political beliefs, culture, gender,
ethnicity, skin color, dress and personal preference. This includes the respecting the opinion of others even if they don’t
agree. Understanding human rights and the responsibilities associated with them is an integral part of the Social Studies

curriculum so that the learner can participate fully and meaningfully in the life of the community, nation, and the world.

 Power, Authority, and Governance (Kapangyarihan, Awtoridad, at Pamamahala Part of citizenship is

understanding the concept of power and its use in the country and in daily life. The concept of citizenship also
covers understanding the meaning and importance of democratic governance and the type of government in the
Philippines.
 Production, Distribution, and Consumption (Produksyon, Distribusyon, at Pagkonsumo)

How do you spend your own allowance? What does your family do to augment the family income? The answer to these
questions relates to the basic concepts of choice, necessity, expenditure, cost and benefit mainly covered by Economics.

 Global Connections (Ugnayang Panrehiyon at Pangmundo)

This theme supports the purpose of the AP curriculum to develop the students’ national and global perspective and
appreciation of

the major social and world issues. Knowledge of other countries can help in understanding the place and role of the
Philippines in the region and the world.
Scope and Sequence of the Social Studies Curriculum

Teaching Geographic Concepts and Skills

 This unit will help you discover some effective strategies for teaching geographical concepts and skills which fall
under the theme of people, places, and environments which is one of the central themes of Social Studies.
 It is interwoven in all Araling Panlipunan subjects in the Secondary Level.
 The study of Geography in schools is under the Social Studies theme: People, Places, and Environments.
 Studying people, places, and environments enable us to understand the relationship between the physical world
and the human populations.
 Students learn the location of people and places and why they are there. They look into the influence of physical
systems like climate, weather, and seasons, and natural resources like land, water, and human populations.

There are many ways to teach Geography in schools. Different approaches must be used in delivering the lesson so that
teaching Geography as one of the essential components in Social Studies will be successful.

First, a Social Studies teacher like you should consider the instructional material you will use to teach the subject
matter.

Map It is a symbolic representation of the relationships between elements of space, such as objects, regions or themes.

Political Map Physical Map Topographic Map Climatic Map Economic/Resource Map Road Map

Maps can be used in teaching the following Geographic concepts such as:

- The 7 continents of the world. - The major oceans on our planet. - The system of the topography of the earth.

Globe is a spherical representation of the Earth. Globe serves the same purpose as the map, but the globe provides a
more accurate portrayal of our planet’s physical features.

 By using the globe, students will have an idea of how the planet Earth is positioned, how far countries are from
each other by using the scale.

COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

In teaching Geography, the teacher may also use collaborative techniques in some topics. Group works are useful not
just to facilitate the interaction among our students, but also to raise the level of quality of their work by having them
pool their ideas.

Example activity!!! For example, suppose that you are discussing the human geography of the seven continents of the
world. In that case, you may divide the class into seven groups and assign them a continent to study.

Pictorial Presentation

Presenting pictures and charts in class is useful mainly for students having reading difficulties or limited vocabularies.
The use of images helps to illustrate and bring a sense of reality to what is taught. Illustrations and drawings stimulate
students’ interest in the lesson that you will discuss.

High-tech Teaching Tools

The worldwide web provides many geography apps and websites that teachers and students can use. Although stable
internet connection is a requisite for this approach, these sites encourage independent learning. It’s also entertaining!!!

TEACHING CULTURE AND SOCIETY

This unit will focus on the concept of culture, individuals, groups, and institutions, which is another central theme of
Social Studies.

The study of cultural diversity will help students explore and appreciate the likeness and differences among cultural
groups in terms of their language, arts, way of living, etc. and understand the prominent roles of social institutions.
WHAT IS CULTURE? Culture is “that complex” whole that which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs,
and any other capabilities and habit acquired by man as a member of society.” Basically, culture is how people think and
behave.
WHAT IS SOCIETY? A human society is a group of people who share a common lifestyle and organization. Societies vary
according to their cultural beliefs and practices as well as norms and values.
TEACHING APPROACHES
 DEBATE
 Community-based Instruction Students will have a chance to explore and learn more about the many different
groups in society. Best example of community-based instruction in teaching society and culture is a field study.
Expository Method with Multimedia Something related to the lecture method is what we call the expository method in
teaching. The word ‘exposition’ means interpreting or explaining. It is commonly used for lower grades because students
on this level typically have too many questions in mind that need answers or explanations.
The expository method can be an advantage under the following circumstances:
1. The teacher will save time in teaching because she/he will only explain the concepts that students find difficult
to understand.
2. When there is a part of the lesson that needs relevant information that is not readily accessible.
3. When a concept can only be learned through an explanation.
For effective execution of the expository method, you have to consider the following conditions:
(1) your mastery of the subject matter; (2) your ability to explain things to your students in a level they will understand;
and (3) the proper use of language and illustrations so that they can easily understand the things you’re explaining.
Cognitive Strategies: KWL Chart An effective motivational activity, it can also be used to track the learning progress of
every students. (WHAT I KNOW. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW. WHAT I LEARNED)
Teaching History
. In this unit, you will focus on teaching approaches in the field of History. The concept of Time, Continuity and Change as
one of Social Studies’ themes gives students a clear picture of the events of the past which could guide their present and
prepare them for their future.
Teaching Methods and Strategies
History has always been included in the curriculum of Social Studies from grade school to the tertiary level. As Social
Studies teachers, you must be prepared to teach History.
Among the different branches of Social Sciences taught in schools, many students consider history boring for some
reasons. What are the common reasons? Memorizing dates, names, and events is too boring!!! BORING Teachers
What’s the secret? In beginning the lesson, it is essential to think of a motivational activity. If you execute an enjoyable
motivational activity at the beginning of your class, your students will be interested in the lesson; thus, their attention
will be only in your discussion, leading to your class’s success.

1. Charades - you can choose a student to stand in front of the class and act out the word from your list while the rest
of the class tries to guess the word.
2. BINGO - Have them prepare their own bingo cards by writing names and places from many choices you provided.
Whoever completes a grid or a pattern will shout BINGO! Provide prizes to make the game more exciting. :)
3. Pictionary - this is like playing a charade, but instead of acting out the word the players draw it while the rest of the
group shouts guesses. Make it a two teams if you want to.
4. Find the Word - it is a game that requires quick reflexes and photographic memory. Divide the class into groups, and
have them choose a representative that will hold a book. Once you say a term or image, they will ace to look for it in the
pages of their book.
5. Pinoy Henyo - A player will guess a word that is taped on his forehead (so he won’t be able to see it) by giving
descriptions while his partner can only answer by saying any of three words: Yes, No, or Maybe.
Lecture Method Sometimes, when the topic is too abstract, you will force to use this method. When done correctly, this
method will work just as well as any other teaching strategies.

How to Give an Excellent Lecture? You must know your subject matter well. Reading directly from books will give your
students the impression that you have not mastered your materials. You can glance at your notes every once in a while,
but avoid directly reading from it.
You can also use audio-visual materials to reinforce learning. Teach your students the correct way of taking note while
listening to you. Your lecture can be made livelier if you can incorporate lots of visuals; you can use pictures, realia, or
show videos or short films. This will help your students in understanding the lesson since AP in Grades 7 & 8 is full of
facts which can really be daunting for students to study.
Role Playing - by portraying characters, students can easily understand the lesson since they’ll pretend they’re the
historic character or figure.

Steps:

1. Initiation and Direction Excursion Method - excursion means

a journey, trip, or tour. Students visit
2. Assigning Roles places or sites and gained a first-
hand experience. It often results to Graphic Organizers
3. Practices/rehearsals
fun and effective learning. one way to teach to teach social studies
4. Performance
effectively is through the use of graphic
5. Debriefing/Processing organizers. Informations are displayed
This provides ample opportunities for in a more attractive and logical manner.
students to see, hear, examine,
gather data, and ask questions about
the place they visit.