MED 431 - Social Studies Methods: Middle School

3 Credits
FALL

A study of the purposes, methods, planning, instruction, and evaluation techniques for teaching in middle school classrooms. The course provides new research, strategies, and philosophies to best meet the needs of young adolescents. A corresponding clinical field experience augments classroom readings, discussions, and activities. An emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate practices, reading across the curriculum, diverse student needs, and multilingual learners. Clinical field experience in an approved site is required [MED 430C].

This course provides teacher candidates with the educational theory, organizational structure, and instructional strategies central to middle school social studies education. Students write lesson plans and assessments using Minnesota Social Studies standards. Instruction will focus on research-based social studies methods teaching practices for social studies content such as critical thinking, historical perspectives and viewpoints, citizenship and government, economics, geography, US and world history, ethnic studies, culturally relevant teaching, and current affairs.

Offered alternate years (odd)

Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Department

Corequisite: MED 430C