Foundations of Social Science Didactics and Critical Pedagogy
Core Principles of Social Science Didactics
1. Core Pedagogical Models
- Traditional: Memorization, teacher-centered instruction, summative evaluation.
- Scientific-Technical: Structured learning, observation, teacher guides inquiry.
- Renewalist: Active participation, motivation, discovery-based learning.
- Critical: Knowledge is social and ideological, promotes justice, emphasizes student voice and formative evaluation.
2. Curriculum and Competencies
The curriculum is structured around three dimensions:
- Conceptual
Evolution of Education: Past, Present, and Future Trends
The Traditional School Model
Schools in the past were very different from those today. Key characteristics included:
- Large Class Sizes: Up to 100 students in each class.
- Segregation: Classes were usually all boys or all girls.
- Environment: Desks were typically made of wood and were uncomfortable.
- Curriculum Delivery: Only one teacher taught all subjects. Most teachers were men.
- Discipline: Education was very strict, almost military-like. Physical punishment was common for misbehavior.
- Student Life: Many
Understanding Text Types, Discourse, and Communication Forms
Text and Speech Fundamentals
A text is the maximum unit of language and communication.
Discourse Markers and Connectors
Discourse markers, also known as extra-sentential connectors, link subsections of text and speech, establishing relationships between ideas. They typically belong to the class of adverbs, conjunctions, interjections, or phrases. The most common types include:
| Category | Function and Examples |
|---|---|
Additive Markers | They express a relation of addition (e.g., and, also, moreover, furthermore, in |
Cooperative Learning: Strategies for Effective Classrooms
Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that involves students working together in small groups to achieve common academic goals. This approach emphasizes collaboration, active participation, and the shared responsibility of learning. Unlike traditional individual-based learning models, cooperative learning promotes interaction among peers, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the development of social and cognitive skills. In the context of B.Ed. (Bachelor of Education) studies, understanding
Read MoreUnderstanding and Fostering Learner Motivation
Understanding Motivation
Motivation is the extent to which you make choices about goals to pursue and the effort you will devote to that pursuit.
Behavioral Definition of Motivation
According to Skinner and Watson, the role of reward is crucial. Reward serves to reinforce behavior. A behaviorist would define motivation as the anticipation of reinforcement; what we do is motivated by an anticipated reward.
Cognitive Definition of Motivation
While rewards are a significant part of the picture, the difference
Read MoreTeaching Endangered Animals: A CLIL Unit for Primary Students
Endangered Animals: A CLIL Unit for Primary 3rd Grade
Unit Justification and Overview
- Subjects: Science, Mathematics, English
- Topic: Endangered Animals
- Level: Primary 3rd Grade
This didactic unit focuses on the critical topic of “Endangered Animals.” It was chosen for its versatility, allowing integration across multiple subjects, and its inherent appeal to children, ensuring high engagement. Designed as a CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) unit, it aims to develop students’ English
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