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Designs for Learning
Social Studies
Student Course Package
Education 414-4
Simon Fraser University
Summer 2008
Instructor: kel r. mcdowell
Education 414-4
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SUMMER SEMESTER 2008
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SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
Designs for Learning: Secondary Social Studies
Instructor:
Kel. McDowell ?
Contact:
kmcdowell@shaw.ca
Class Location:
Surrey 5080
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Time:
Thursday: 1:00 pm --
4:50
pm
Course Description:
This course is designed to help you better understand the
subject area of social studies and to learn about methods and strategies for planning,
teaching, and assessing the goals of this vast and complex subject. The importance of
building a coherent design or vision to guide your social studies program will be
emphasized throughout the course. The course is divided into three distinct but
overlapping sections: a' theoretical foundations b/ methodology & strategies cl
curriculum design and implementation. Specific assignments will be used to assess
students understanding of each of these sections.
Course Format:
A number of different teaching approaches and/or formats will be
incorporated into this course including combinations of short lectures, discussions, group
conferencing, reading review groups, and in-class assignments and activities. Co-
operative and shared learning groups will be formed and practiced throughout the
duration of the semester.
Course Objectives:
-
establish and justify a personal vision of social studies
- understand the rationales and goals of the social studies curriculum
- become familiar with the British Columbia IRP for secondary social studies
- learn strategies for promoting and assessing the major goals of social studies
- be able to develop a yearly course plan including units and lessons
- introduce assessment strategies that will enhance student learning in all areas
- have a developed and thoughtful perspective and justification for the above
objectives
Course Readings:
A scheduled list of weekly readings will be circulated at the first
class.
Required:
Case, R., & Clark, P. (1999). The Canadian Anthology of Social
Studies: Issues and Strategies for Teachers. Pacific Educational Press (Vancouver).
Recommended:
Ministry of Education, Skills and Training. (1998) Social
Studies K-7: Integrated Resource Package. (Accessible on-line)
Additional:
Some selected readings may be distributed by the instructor in
preparation for some classes. (A fee for copying expenses may be required)
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Assignments & Evaluation:
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Class Participation, Mini Assignments & Activities: 10% (self & instructor
evaluation)
- Short Paper: 15% (instructor evaluation)
- Personal Choice Assignment:
15%
(instructor evaluation)
- Course Plan Assignment: Group Project (self, peer, instructor evaluation): 60%
Each assignment will be explained in full detail at the first class.
ALL assignments must be completed to receive afinal grade for this class.
Final percentage and letter grade conversions will be discussed at the first
class.
Instructor Expectations:
Each summer I look forward to welcoming a new group of students into my
course. I try to structure my classes in a way that everyone will feel comfortable and
eager to learn. I truly enjoy social studies education and try to bring lots of enthusiasm
into my classes. I also expect my students to come prepared and ready to fully participate
in each class. Attendance is important as classes are lengthy and a significant amount of
material is covered each week. In order to learn and understand the material, some
lessons will involve participating in a number of in-class assignments and activities to
facilitate the learning of various teaching methods and strategies. Furthermore, a
significant amount of class time will be used for work on the large group project, so in
fairness to your group members it is pertinent that you attend. For each class and/or mini
assignment missed without an appropriate reason, 2 marks will be deducted from your
participation mark and this will therefore affect
