Social Science Introduction
A Model for Problem-Centered Social Science Units
The Auburn University Social Science Education Program uses a persistent public issues model for conceptualizing social studies teaching and learning. Content and unit design are centered around central, recurrent societal questions and dilemmas.For example: "When may the majority legitimately limit the rights of a minority?" Such a question might be considered across a variety of instances and eras in American history: the trial of Anne Hutchinson; tactics of radical Abolitionists, internment of Japanese-Americans, and the contemporary militia movement.
Each unit shares some fundamental goals: Units are active, relevant, and problem-centered. A variety of materials and methods are used to engage students in in-depth, thoughtful encounters with content. These goals are manifested in four unit features:
1. All unit activities hinge on a central focusing question.Samples of problem-centered units are modeled, practiced, and assessed in university course work prior to unit design by novices. Central questions and sample activities from three units developed by novice teachers illustrate how these principles are being implemented in laboratory teaching in the schools.2. The first day begins with an introductory grabber that introduces the problem and arouses student curiosity.
3. Content features deep, rich detail; multiple perspectives, and varied ways of knowing.
4. The unit ends with a closure activity or activities that require students to demonstrate their efforts to resolve the central question.