Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - EDUC 474 E100

Designs for Learning: Elementary Social Studies (4)

Class Number: 4460

Delivery Method: Distance Education

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 11 – Aug 10, 2020: Thu, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    EDUC 401/402 or corequisite EDUC 403.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Focuses on teaching elementary school social studies and addresses aspects of the theory and practice of social studies education.Students examine their own thinking about social studies education through critical reflection, work with the prescribed curriculum, and explore various ways to develop engaging learning experiences for children within a consistent framework using appropriate instructional materials and methods.

COURSE DETAILS:

The format for this course has changed given the recent change to the course delivery. This course will now be administered online, largely through Canvas via self-directed modules. Students are not expected to meet during scheduled class time; however, weekly meetings with your discussion groups is required.

Approaches to learning will include online lecture and PowerPoint presentations, multi-media, readings, written reflections, and small group discussions. Students are expected to think critically about issues, to complete their readings, to participate in online discussions, and to integrate the curricular competencies into their lesson planning. Students are expected to produce curriculum that uses the historical thinking concepts to create thoughtful and critically considered learning resources.


This course is designed for pre-service elementary school teachers to explore the subject area of social studies, to learn methods and strategies for structuring and assessing social studies lessons, and to strengthen their own practice around social studies education through critical reflection, and work with the new curriculum.

This course will emphasize teaching knowledge, skills and competencies to build active, informed citizens, as aligned with BC’s redesigned social studies curriculum. This course will critically examine the curricular competencies and explore ways in which inquiry and cooperative learning can be used to enhance teaching and learning in social studies education.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Establish and justify a personal approach to teaching social studies
  • Understand the goals, competencies and big ideas of the new social studies curriculum
  • Familiarize selves with social studies inquiry processes
  • Develop thoughtful assessment strategies that will enhance student learning
  • Develop unit and lesson plans that combine curricular competencies and content in creative, thoughtful and engaging ways
  • Learn to use historical thinking concept to enhance student learning

Grading

  • Online discussion responses 20%
  • Lesson plan 30%
  • Unit plan 50%

NOTES:

ALL assignments must be completed to receive a final grade for this class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Case, Roland and Clark, Penney (Eds.) (2013). The Anthology of Social Studies (Volume 2): Issues and Strategies for Elementary Teachers. Vancouver: Pacific Educational Press.
ISBN: 9780864913920

BC Ministry of Education Social Studies Curriculum

Retrieved free from: https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/social-studies

Other selected readings will be made available online through the SFU library.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.