Powerful Soical Studies

1. Meaningful

1.1. Teacher helps students see how content is meaningful both in and out of school.

1.2. Students are taught to make connections between prior knowledge, previously studied content, and new material.

2. Challenging

2.1. The class works hard to develop a learning community. All are expected to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully.

2.2. Students are expected to learn to work co-operatively, to engage in thoughtful dialogue with peers and teacher. The teacher plans activities and content to help students develop these competencies.

3. Active

3.1. Learning is social and active.

3.2. Encourages students to think about what they are learning (metacognition).

4. Value Based

4.1. Respect towards others is fundamental.

4.2. Teachers learn to be aware of thier own values and how they influence selection of content, interaction in the classroom, planning, assessment practices.

5. Integrative

5.1. Integrative across time and space: examines historical, present, future perspectives.

5.2. Powerful SS integrates across curriculum.