WEEK1--Defining Social Studies and Culturally Relevant Pedagogy

“Democracy is not a ‘machine that would go of itself,’ but must be consciously reproduced, one generation instructing the next in the knowledge and skills, as well as in the civic character and commitments required for its sustenance” (cited in Parker, 2001, pg. 4; original from Report on the task force on civic education, The second annual White House conference on character building for a democratic, civil society, May 1995, p. 3).

What do they think this means?

We must support our democratic system. We need to participate and monitor democracy to ensure our government matches our beliefs.

How does this statement relate to recent events in the United States? What relevance does this have to education?

Elections
Teaching children about the system so they can participate.
Education is a democratic process our curriculum, and funding is created by education.

Where, other than in the social studies curriculum, would democracy be “consciously reproduced”?

Classroom management can be democratic!

8. Explain that one of the greatest challenges facing teachers, and those who are trying to support a democratic society, is how we can value and integrate the diverse voices and perspectives represented in our population. Ask if any of them have been introduced to this concept before. What do they think it might mean?

9. Jena Six video

10. Geneva Gay's article:

a. Developing a Cultural Diversity Knowledge Base

b. Designing Culturally Relevant Curricula

c. Demonstrating Cultural Caring and Building a Learning Community

d. Cross-Cultural Communications

e. Cultural Congruity in Classroom Instruction

Explain that each group will be responsible for standing up in front of the class and presenting the following information:

· A summary of the important ideas presented in their section of the article;

· A visual aid that helps people understand their section of the article;

· An explanation of how the ideas included in this section can be related to social studies;

· At least one reason that educators should listen to Geneva Gay regarding this particular point;

· At least one critique (or challenge) they have of Geneva’s Gay’s ideas in that section.

10. Group Presentations and Discussion. Encourage them to ask one another questions.

11. Provide at least 20 minutes at the end of class to distribute U.S. maps and provide them time to label their maps (atlases in the closet).

12. Assignments for next week…catch up on readings (a heavy week for readings). Don’t worry about the Information Literacy reading listed in syllabus; I’ll give it to you next week.

“Democracy is not a ‘machine that would go of itself,’ but must be consciously reproduced, one generation instructing the next in the knowledge and skills, as well as in the civic character and commitments required for its sustenance.”

(Cited in Parker, 2001, pg. 4; original from Report on the task force on civic education, The second annual White House conference on character building for a democratic, civil society, May 1995, p. 3).