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Review Of Social Studies That Sticks By Laurel Schmidt

1576 Words7 Pages

Social Studies is revived due to the concepts and content that Laurel Schmidt provides in Social Studies That Sticks. In this book, Schmidt provides a clear call for action to reestablish history as a course where humanity remains a central focus. The study of mankind should not be replaced with emotionless learning about dates, events, assessments, and memorization. In the first chapter, Schmidt makes it clear that history is a subject that demands the observation of its learners. However, putting social back in social studies is not just a task that can be accomplished through an occasional class discussion. In the larger scheme, teaching history that sticks will require instruction that refocuses on problems, context, and continuity. Students …show more content…

It is argued that historians should steer away from being solely dependent on textbooks, assessments, and traditional instruction. Educators should focus more on using primary sources such as first-person narratives, art, and documents to gain student engagement. According to Schmidt, “In short, primary sources help you and your students get as close as possible to what actually happened” (Schmidt, 44). Essentially using primary sources encourages curiosity and leads to a more memorable experience for students because they now have more autonomy in the classroom. Once students are enjoying the inquiry stage of the learning process, teachers will use tools such as simulations, role playing, public speaking, and individual research to apply the knowledge that they have …show more content…

Instead of just bombarding readers with different tools, the author highlights that standards should not and cannot be forgotten about. Teachers are professionals and public educators have a requirement to align their lessons with state standards. However, the author shows readers how standards can be accompanied by resources and primary sources that exist outside of the given text materials. This strength reminds teachers of their obligations as well as guides them on how to use it to their

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