Digital Primary Sources

     Digital primary sources make primary source evidence more accessible to students. Technology has enabled sources to be available not only to teachers but to students as well. In this digital age a variety of sources can be viewed. In the past teachers were limited to the sources they had access to but now with multiple accounts of events through diaries/letters and rare copies of pictures teachers have more options to express content.

     I would include digital primary sources in my classroom! The level of technology my school has access to will influence how but I think primary sources are essential to understanding history. I would put students into groups and have them examine various sources from one event. As groups of students evaluate sources, the class can come back together and piece together the connections between the sources, creating a broad understanding of history. If technology allows, I would want to project the images for the whole class so that everyone can engage in the learning process. Primary sources are a good way to introduce content but also explain various sides of a story or historical event. Digital primary sources allow students to engage with a more personal side of history, they are able to identify with the individuals involved in history.

Jenny Foreman Social Studies Autobiography

Jenny Foreman

8/29/10

EDU 654

Social Studies Autobiography

In college I was a general history major, never choosing to concentrate on any one area of history. I wanted the freedom to take a wide breath of classes and to learn about different parts and aspects of history. I was also a political science and sociology minor which I acquired to help better my understanding and interpretation of historical events. I have always had an interest in a broad range of historical topics which is why I want to teach world history.  I want to teach world history because I think it lends itself well to various avenues through which I can engage and interest my students. World history covers a broad spectrum of history covering various time periods and geographic areas, creating for students a strong historical foundation. 

Social studies is a very important subject because it has the unique ability to connect the past to the present and future. Through the study of the past, history helps students understand the current world we live in, while equipping them with the tools to interpret the future. Social studies encompasses more than just history however, touching on political and economic systems. The dissemination of social studies in schools allows students to become informed and active participants in a dynamic and global world. I hope to gain from this course effective ways to engage and interest students in social studies. 

As a future social studies teacher my teaching philosophy is that teachers should be resources for their students, striving to make students active in their own learning. Through taking this class I hope to prepare myself to carry out my philosophy. From Content Pedagogy I hope to gain knowledge of educational resources I can use to challenge my students. My best teachers were those that forced me to interact with the material, using simulations and group activities to foster a greater sense of understanding. While lecturing is the traditional way to convey a topic I do not think it is always the most effective way. Students who are excited and intrigued about a task will learn more than those facing a 50 minute lecture. I hope also to be a resource to students in issues beyond academics, fostering relationships that they can rely and depend on.

I believe the two most important characteristics of a social studies teacher are energy and passion. Energy is essential because students feed off of your demeanor, if you are ready to teach them they will meet you half way. Passion is especially important for social studies teachers since the subject usually carries the reputation of being boring. I believe that if a teacher is passionate about a subject students will be more interested in learning why, they will be drawn in by my interest in hopes that they will discover their own. As teachers we must convince our students to listen and absorb information. Social studies teachers who put passion and energy into every lesson will have students on the edge of their seats.