Concept & Teaching of Social Studies, Study Notes, Material

Concept and Nature of Social Studies 

Differences Between Social Science and Social Studies

Social studies are concerned with men and their social environment while social science deals with socio-cultural aspects of human behaviour. They could be differentiated further as-

1. The approaches of both are different. Social science represents an adult approach and is taught at high levels while Social Studies represent a child approach and is a simplified portion of social science.
2. Social science gives us large knowledge of human affairs while social studies give us insight into various aspects of man and society.
3. The main purpose of social science is to discover new truths about human relationships whereas social studies guide adolescents in their selected learning portions.
4. In social science, social utility is the primary object and in social studies, more emphasis is given to instructional utility.

Contribution Of Social Studies

• It establishes the relationship of humans with their geographical and social environment.
• The main focus of the study is human behaviour.
• It promotes the modern view of social study and education.
• It emphasizes adopting new techniques of social behaviour.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK NCF 2005

It was proposed by NCERT in India. It provides the framework for preparing syllabi, teaching practices, and textbooks for school programmes in India. NCF 2005 has influenced the syllabi in a total of 17 states and has also been translated into 22 languages.

Its Implications For Curriculum And Practice

1. Teaching for construction of knowledge.
2. The value of Interactions.
3. Designing new learning experiences so that it goes beyond textbooks.
4. Approaches to planning to make exams more flexible.
5. Critical Pedagogy of nurturing an identity within the democratic polity of the country.

NCF Curriculum Areas

Traditional:                                    

• Mathematics                       
• Language                           
• Science                                 
• Social Science                    

Other Areas:

• Health and Physical Education
• Education for Peace
• Art Education
• Work Level

Methodology And Approaches to Teaching Of Social Studies

Its teaching methods according to the role of a Learner and Teacher are:

A. Learner-Directed:

1. Individualised Instruction-:

• Play way method
• Project work
• Excursion/Fieldwork
• Observation method.

B. Group-Directed:

• Debate
• Discussion
• Brainstorming

C. Teacher-Directed:

• Guest Lectures
• Story-Telling method
• Lecture method
• Demonstrative method.

These are some of the main methods of teaching social studies. Apart from these, Classroom processes, activities, and discourse methods are other forms of it.  Moreover, a teacher’s approach to teaching social studies should be very versatile. He/She should try to implement new forms of methods and techniques in the classroom or else it would lead to the disinterest of students.

This article tends to be beneficial for the following exams – REET, UPTET, CTET, Super TET, DSSSB, KVS, etc.

Thanks!