Origin of Social Studies Theory

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the main focus of the 1899 Committee of Seven regarding the teaching of history?

Focusing exclusively on American history

Emphasizing only modern historical events

Encouraging a textbook-centered approach with primary and secondary sources (correct)

Introducing complex political theories to students

What significant change did the 1907 Committee of Five propose in the study of history?

Increased time for studying ancient history

Complete elimination of American history from the curriculum

Separate study of government alongside modern history (correct)

Integration of social studies into mathematics education

Which committee emphasized citizenship education as focusing on social virtues?

Committee of Ten

Committee of Seven

Committee of Five

Committee on Social Studies (correct)

What was a main objective of the history curriculum changes by the 1916 Committee on Social Studies?

To shift from a history-based curriculum to a focus on good citizenship Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary objection to the proposal that formal history study should begin by ages 9-11?

The use of vague language and generalities in the proposal Signup and view all the answers

What primary focus did the 1916 Committee on Social Studies have in defining social studies?

The organization and development of human society Signup and view all the answers

What was a criticism raised by educators regarding the social studies curriculum in the 1916 report?

It neglected the government's role in society. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main vision Earl Rugg proposed for social studies in 1921?

To organize curriculum around problems of contemporary life Signup and view all the answers

What educational movement aimed to use schools for changing the social order and establishing a new society?

Social Reconstructionist Movement Signup and view all the answers

What approach did the Social Reconstructionist Movement advocate for analyzing social issues?

A deductive approach followed by synthesis of findings Signup and view all the answers

Why was there a need for the 1921 National Council for the Social Studies?

To create a cohesive vision for the field of social studies Signup and view all the answers

What did the 1916 Committee on Social Studies attempt to accommodate in their definition?

Different groups of historians and educators Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant limitation of the social studies curriculum according to early criticisms?

It lacked relevance to students' lives. Signup and view all the answers

What approach to teaching did Harold Rugg advocate for in social studies?

Problem-centered instruction Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant change in the focus of social studies during the Second World War?

Prioritization of efficient citizenship education Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did Harold Rugg's textbooks face?

They were considered too radical and subversive. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mortimer Smith advocate regarding social studies?

Eliminate social studies in favor of history Signup and view all the answers

What was the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) view on controversial issues?

Teachers should be free to deal with controversial issues. Signup and view all the answers

What suggestion was made about terminology in social studies education?

Use 'Social Science' instead of 'Social Studies' Signup and view all the answers

What trend did problem-oriented social studies face due to the Cold War?

Decline in the problem-oriented approach Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the emphasis on efficiency-oriented citizenship education?

Neglect of controversial social issues Signup and view all the answers

Which theory suggests that Social Studies has no single point of origin?

Continuous Spontaneous Existence Theory Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 1890 Committee of Ten?

Formalized history as a legitimate discipline for secondary schools. Signup and view all the answers

Which educator group equates a more efficient society with better social control?

Mandarins Signup and view all the answers

In Ronald Evans' 2004 discussion, which group seeks to transform society through Social Studies?

Reconstructionists Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Social Efficiency' primarily focus on?

Ensuring social improvement and reflective thinking. Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a simplified version of history and social sciences in educational philosophy?

Eclectic Consensus Group Signup and view all the answers

What was a key focus of the Social Efficiency educators?

Developing a society that operates efficiently. Signup and view all the answers

Which theory is associated with the first appearance of the term Social Studies in print?

Big Bang Theory Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Social Studies term first appeared in print in 1916.
Originated from the discipline of history, emphasizing its foundational role.
Continuous Spontaneous Existence Theory suggests Social Studies has no definitive beginning.

Ronald Evans (2004) highlighted conflicts among educators regarding the direction of Social Studies.
Various educational groups include Traditional Educators, Mandarins, Social Efficiency, and Meliorists.
Historical foundations emphasized the importance of social improvement and reflective thinking.

Key Committees

Committee of Ten (1890): Established history as a legitimate secondary education discipline; aimed to start study at ages 9-11, faced criticism for vagueness.
Committee of Seven (1899): Recommended four blocks of history (ancient, medieval, modern, American); emphasized historical thinking development and civic competence.
Committee of Five (1907): Revised history blocks to allocate more time for modern history and government.

Created to review history curriculum, shifting focus to a social-centered education and good citizenship.
Defined Social Studies as subjects relating to the organization and development of human societies.
Sought to incorporate different perspectives from historians and social science advocates for a more moderate and cooperative approach.

Formed by Earl Rugg and educators from Columbia University to create a vision for Social Studies, centered on contemporary life issues.

Advocated for using education to transform society through problem-centered instruction.
Led to the shift from traditional history to issue-based orientation in Social Studies curricula.

Challenges in the Field

Post-World War II, there was a debate on focusing on efficiency-oriented citizenship education over social issues.
Textbooks by Harold Rugg faced criticism for being subversive but were defended by the NEA as fostering equality.
Opposition emerged against progressive education, arguing for a return to traditional history-centered curricula.

Cold War tensions led to growing resistance against problem-centered teaching approaches.
Calls for a discipline-based academic approach emerged, suggesting the abandonment of the term "Social Studies" in favor of “Social Science.”

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the foundational theories surrounding the origin of Social Studies, including the Big Bang Theory and its historical roots. Delve into the various reports and foundations that shaped the discipline as we know it today. Understand the significance of these theories in establishing Social Studies as an academic field.