“And at the core of it, political efficacy – the idea that you can make a difference – is the most important driver of civic engagement.”
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
As a child, I was always encouraged to ask questions. Curiosity was a positive thing and the conduit of knowledge and how I learned to engage with my family and socially other children.
When I entered school things seemed to change. I learned quickly to conform, fall in line, only speak when spoken too, and asking too many questions might earn adverse consequences.
At first this was not a problem, I loved school, I wanted to do well. I listened, did what I was told, turned in my homework on time, studied and got very good grades. The challenge came in high school, US History, I hated it. My first C ever,,, Nothing made sense to me, I didn't understand the purpose of learning things that I knew did not happen the way we were being taught and my questions were never answered.
What was your high school History experience?
...curious if you are willing to share...
What happened to Social Studies? Did they remove social studies from the curriculum?
I’m not talking about History, memorizing important dates, and the chronology of past events...
social studies | noun various aspects or branches of the study of human society, considered as an educational discipline.
Social studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. It is an issues- focused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary subject that draws upon history, geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political science and other social science disciplines
"...the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. It is an issues- focused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary subject.. " Inquiry-based... social science... would have most definitely been more interesting to me, and perhaps even made high school history more enjoyable.
How important is it to you, to engage students in relevant dialogue about the world they live in?
Think about that for a moment... what are the implications....
What are your fears about history and discussing the relationship it has to current events?
... be honest... spend some time here...
The Civic Educator Organization shares these 3 essential questions to ask students in your social studies classes themed: Equality and Social Change
*Three Essential Questions About Equality For Your Social Studies Class:
1. Are All Americans Treated Equally?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.... but, the story of American history is the story of exceptions to that rule.”
2. Who Has the Power to Change This?
“...you’ll often find an organization full of regular people who provide the support and strength to create social change.”
3. How Do People Change This?
“...in every period of history you have examples of people trying to change the status quo and it’s worth examining how it is they go about achieving that change.”
How will you be part of the change and engage students in a more inquire-based social science study where they feel safe, are allowed to ask questions, and express their thoughts on current events?
Think about this for a moment... What are you willing to do?
Today's Challenge: Start the conversation using the theme Equality and Social Change:
Imagine you were a student, and take the time to answer the questions and have a discussion with a group of friend or colleagues you feel safe with.
Talk with your own (middle/high-school aged) children and see how they would answer these same questions.
Extend the questions to what is currently going on today and relate it to an historical event of the past.
If your a teacher, consider downloading the full lesson and read it in its entirety. Ask yourself: How could this lesson be of value to the students in my class.
If your not a teacher, do the same as above. Give it to a teacher and share with them: Why this lesson would be of value to the students.
We are all in this together and together we can make a difference and create positive change.
What are you willing to do?
Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
Related Article:
*Three Essential Questions About Equality For Your Social Studies Class:
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