Constraints and Affordances: Learning Civic Concepts in Elementary Social Studies

Kathryn M. Obenchain, Julie L. Pennington, MaryLiz Magee, Hannah Carter

Research output: Contribution to conferencePresentation

Abstract

This qualitative study examined ways in which one class of primary grades students understood the concepts of civic virtue and civic engagement through integrating social studies and literacy. Findings suggest that easily available classroom resources were insufficient in providing teacher guidance in developing rigorous social studies. Students’ conceptual learning was initially constrained given an over-reliance on textbooks. Further, the literacy block was an appropriate place to incorporate social studies; and, that the social studies concepts, integrated with literacy were understood by the students. In order to develop elementary students’ civic conceptual understandings so they can be applied across contexts, focusing on larger concepts and ideas in social studies is key.
Original languageAmerican English
StatePublished - 9 Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event2016 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting - Washington, D.C.
Duration: 9 Apr 2016 → …

Conference

Conference2016 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting
Period9/04/16 → …

EGS Disciplines

  • Curriculum and Social Inquiry
  • Elementary Education

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