Social Studies Programs Program Goals and Philosophy The program, at the pre- and in-service levels, focuses on the planning and design of classroom activities, instructional units and projects that address national and state standards in history and social studies. Prospective social studies teachers examine and experiment with teaching techniques and strategies that connect with and motivate students from diverse cultural backgrounds, varying skills and preparation levels, in an urban setting characterized by density, immigration, and language problems. Special attention is paid to working in inclusive, multicultural, urban classrooms. During the course of the program, prospective social studies teachers develop competencies in the following areas: promoting student learning through activities, motivations, and curricula that take advantage of cognitive psychology research, fostering critical thinking through the consideration of key philosophical questions; encouraging social and citizenship, skills by means of structured cooperative learning; developing an appreciation for history and the related social sciences; along with multicultural sources and approaches through mastery of diverse curriculum materials; supporting academic performance and literacy by means of designing and field testing activities and assessments; and fostering a reliable level of accomplishment in the use of technology as part and parcel of the entire curriculum. The goals of the Social Studies Program were designed to reflect the 3 core of the Queens College Division of Education, equity, excellence and ethics. | |
|
