#sschat Archive
#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Monday June 13, 2016
Melissa from Poughkeepsie NY I teach APGOV, Econ, and Sociology,
hi ! Dane from NJ. Hoping to be a first year middle/high school social studies teacher in the fall!
I'm Albert and I'm the Social Studies Coordinator for Lexington One in Lexington, SC. So excited to be chatting with you all!
Hi I'm Judy and I teach US History in NJ
Chris from Bloomington, IN. I teach world history for private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana University.
Hi - I teach high school social studies and incorporate comics whenever I can to engage students https://t.co/ej6GX7Bj0p
Hi , this is Bill Chapman, a retired secondary social studies teacher, checking in from Berkeley, CA.
Joanne from Missouri. I teach 7th grade world history and 11th grade modern global issues.
Question #1 is coming in one minute!
HI Jackie from CT, US; HS social studies and library media; just starting summer vacation! woo hoo!
Good evening. Jill, Director of Teaching and Learning from Florida.
When referring to Taking Informed Action - it's ok to use the initials TIA :)
A1 learning about a subject that motivates you to share, teach, change - go into the world and make an impact
A1 "Informed" means you have studied an issue before you "do" something about it.
A1) Learning about issue and doing something about it based on research - contacting govt reps, starting petition, fundraising, etc.
Informed action: know what the various factors are that have created this situation, evaluate options & consequences B4 acting
Ken from Western Oregon Univ where I'm wrapping up grading before summer break
A1: Understanding the context before you act - whether it's writing Congress, protesting, blogging
Really like the consequences part of it. Very important.
Arriving a few minutes late. I'm Jennifer and I teach High School World History, U.S. History, and Psychology.
Hi ! Kelsey from Mpls, Minnesota. I teach APUSH and Psychology.
Such a great opportunity to explore context in meaningful way.
A1: Taking an action in a way based on something that you have learned.
Lots of great reflections so far!
And knowing that not everyone sees the world the same way that you do
very true! Our differences make us stronger!
A1 Acting based on reasoned decision making rather than rationalizing "what feels right".
A1 it's building off the inquiry & analytical skills gained towards applying it thru civic action
You are speaking my language! Love me some "Inquiry!"
And often Ss just assume that everyone sees it the same way - they need to think through how others will see things
A1: I see TIA like Design Thinking. Emphathize, define, ideate, propose solutions.
Very neat! Thanks for the input! Love this way of thinking!
Very important in today's hyper-politicized environment. https://t.co/4Yt2CJ244M
And knowing that not everyone sees the world the same way that you do
A1 analyzing multiple viewpoints/sources/experts from across the spectrum of thought and mapping out a plan of action from that info
It's sad isn't it? We have all but taken out social studies in our classrooms across this nation. Huge disservice!
A2) This is a weak area for me and one that I hope to get some ideas about.
*out of our classrooms! tweeted to soon!
some schools don't even consider a "core subject" anymore. it's scary!
We interviewed veterans at my school because the students felt the need to share their stories - They took action.
I think has done similar with his students.
A2: Looking for ways to implement this in my first year based on all of your answers here guys!
Yes! I saw his tweet about this - My kiddos made documentaries and wrote bios about 70 vets - pretty cool!
I've worked with students on various protests/ community actions, but always separate from class
As an AmGov T, beyond curriculum & standards, my goal is for S's to be prepared to meaningfully participate in the system!
Q2: Service learning b4 I ever heard TIA. Garden club, proceeds went to food bank, students donated and volunteered at food bank
I hope all of us work toward this, at least on some level https://t.co/BnIMq3LQQd
As an AmGov T, beyond curriculum & standards, my goal is for S's to be prepared to meaningfully participate in the system!
A2 When taught HS, 1 of my faves was after unit on child soldiers, Ss started a club to raise awareness on child soldiers & slavery
A2: Since being 1:1, allow time to go down the rabbit hole of "why's" and "what if". Expect extended learning on ALL topics
A2 Work with your local League of Women Voters to learn their approach to studying before acting.
A2 We use to make micro loans in the world we study. We learn about Kiva, lending, and the circumstances that require it.
I've had Ss get fired up about diff issues & encouraged them to research groups that take action, find ways to support.
I'm planning on incorporating a lot of blogging w/ Ss next year - hoping it serves as a forum to move beyond the USII curriculum
Awesome responses everyone!
But it wasn't a "whole class" thing, unfortunately.
Joining in a little late but Kate from Swansboro... been MIA these last couple of weeks
We also took a group to a mill town and interviewed mill workers from WW2 era - wow! What stories. They are right in our backyard!
Yes. Same way it's often worked for me. It's usually a few starting something. A couple times its grown into more
A2 I learned from a new teacher the power of Skype and having students discuss with activists. Will be doing next year
A3: You could have kids petition to create a monument or an artifact for a museum
A3: Repatriation. I always incorporate museum learning and kids gravitate toward this topic
I like that - connect with people on the front lines... https://t.co/aN8r3HCmdD
A2 I learned from a new teacher the power of Skype and having students discuss with activists. Will be doing next year
A3) Make PSAs about how past, even ancient past, influences present?
A3 tie it into current events. - ex - crusades and 9/11
love it! the museum would LOVE to develop a relationship with local teachers!
A3 Create and have students participate in a simulation on the topic.
A1: Informed action requires research, facts, and understanding. Emotional reasoning and bias should be avoided
very high level - lots of good connections there!
A3: The issues people faced were (mostly) the same - lack of rights and lack of resources - just have to make the connection
A3 By tying it to something relevant to Ss. For example, slavery back then, compare to vast slavery still have today &turn into TIA
love that! Should England return all of the stolen items?
A3: After learning abt something like how a bill becomes a law- write a letter to their congressperson about something?Many options.
A3) I think by trying to relate it to something going on today. Compare the Ancient with the Global and then take action
A3 What about getting civil engineers to come speak to your students about building roads NOW vs. in Rome..might could make a PSA?
A3: did series on echoes of WWI today... used it to inspire convo for West Traditions final exam
Great idea! immigration would be great topic to engage Ss in TIA! Hope you can find the time to do that w/ them later!
I have students research modern day slavery when studying US slavery.Eyes open wide! What should we do? They are creative
If you are interested in museum learning check out Learning on Display by Linda D'Aquisto or https://t.co/ShtKUt0i1Q
cool! Looks like they took it further than we did!
A3: It isn't ancient history, but I have my students analyze current issues related to the event.
I like the idea of partnering w/ a museum. Local museum would probably welcome some type of partnership with HS
Yes! They're always shocked to learn we have more slavery today.
Here is "The Rhyme of History: Lessons of the Great War" https://t.co/7IzbJG297a Why study history? Why does it repeat
A3: Ex: Should Confederate flags in northern historical societies be returned to the South?
A4 Students loved the mini simulations I had them work through on ethical contemporary civics problems. https://t.co/JcsA3wMV6I
A3 I have been turning over an idea in my head. Would like students to propose sites for UNESCO World Heritage designation.
A4) Voting, deciding what products to buy or avoid, whether & what to recycle, what actions to take on issues that matter to us..
A4: Learning about different views of politicians and then voting is a type we take part in as citizens.
And it is so relevant to today. So important to make these connections between history and current events
A4 - I always teach that educating yourself is the first step. With Internet - "I didn't know" is just not an excuse - be informed
A3) If you're feeling ambitious, create a fake archaeology site! Easy to do here because we have lots of beach sand
A3 One more thing I forgot! We had a Socratic Seminar at the end of the year "Should the Olympics in Rio be Cancelled?"
Great question! What did they decide?
We just gave a grant to our Latin teachers to do this on campus. Great cross curricular integration
Nice! Very "out of the box" but definitely an important facet of history!
We tried to find unbiased sources for them to peruse - most said to cancel them. :-/
Many argued that they should move them, but it was too much too soon - VERY neat and DEEP discussion - 6th graders!!!
I can definitely see both sides of it. Can't say I'd blame athletes for not going.
yes! I always teach how the only way to get business to change is to not buy from them. Be informed
A4: As a class we watched CNN Students News daily & teams created a podcasts with real convo & real world connections.
A4: I let me students see that I'm politically active - and that I try to stay informed. Like anything, it needs to modeled.
Awesome! Love the podcasting angle.
I love using CNN Student news - such a great jumping off point for global and national events https://t.co/oSJ0C0fX1m
A4: As a class we watched CNN Students News daily & teams created a podcasts with real convo & real world connections.
I’ve been meaning to try it. next year goals
A4: I agree; civic activism must be modeled in teachers. How can we tell kids to vote when we don't do it ourselves?
A4 Voting, attending school board mtgs, donating to a food drive, adopting a family for Christmas.
I should see if I can embed a link for it for my online classes.
Every year my Ss develop a near cultish following of the host. He really draws them in.
good advice tim, vote with your dollars!
lol - mine too :) They are crazy about him!
Might actually be interesting to have students create their own video news show about what they're learning?! https://t.co/ZvvBsDZlqr
I love using CNN Student news - such a great jumping off point for global and national events https://t.co/oSJ0C0fX1m
A4: As a class we watched CNN Students News daily & teams created a podcasts with real convo & real world connections.
And blood drives. Was student council co-sponsor at first school & they put on blood drives. Great to see Ss & Ts donating.
A5: SURE. Science with the environment comes to mind right away!
A5: The APUSH T in my school did a huge enviro justice proj with the AP Bio teacher this year
A5: Real world connections are best with interdisciplinary units.We tries it at the end of the year, but it was ALOT of work.
Can even do "live location" reports with something like app.
A5 something I want to do more of - research and writing should be easy cross-curricular. Night in English class, persecution in Ss
A5 math for looking at distance, graphs. ELA for lit when researching, persuasive writing skills. Science if TIA on climate change
awesome - thank you both!
And math for analyzing data, working w/ statistics, creating data visuallizations (great opp for PSA), etc.
One school in my district is looking at the tragedies associated with modern day child labor in order to increase awareness.
A5: English & Special Education teachers are great partners when discussing human rights issues.
The A in STEAM should be for Arts and Humanities - just sAying :)
A5 Writing - to your representative, reflecting on the issues. PSAs. Podcasts.
The Ss catch on - last year they were demanding invites to our union actions - realized it impacted them too
is lurking on our chat - he is an awesome new teacher who automatically infuses social justice in his lessons - he rocks
A5: Does anyone do cross curriculum units all year? I know it's best, but wore me out.
Bring in experts from the field - experts from the community - experts, experts, experts - they WANT to come!!!
A5 - English class students did an assignment called "project global inform" on human rights violations across globe
Bring in the local elected officials - they almost always say yes https://t.co/ktUw7x4rso
Bring in experts from the field - experts from the community - experts, experts, experts - they WANT to come!!!
So many great non-fiction, social justice texts; invite students to read & find the interdisciplineary connections; use as models
I am teaching modern world for first time next year - will be focusing on global issues and tie into Imperialism. What should we do?
Sometimes they want to campaign... I invite them to watch or help teach instead
A5: Art, photography, film both in research and action plans. So many artists working on social justice issues.
I have been sharing how England has been trying to apologize for some issues - wish US would follow suit
If you want to get controversial my students debated if the US entering Iraq was imperialism
I've had our state assemblyman/ senators come in to talk about community organizing and preserving local history
First thought is definitely the middle east and africa - the effects of imperialism that we see now
It was an awesome debate! both sides held their own and it was a pretty politically charged debate.
My students did a Model UN and tried to solve the crisis between the Palestinians and Israelis last year - wow!
A6: Authentic ACTION may be better than product. Speak, demonstrate, call, write, campaign. Be a participant, not an archivist
A6) I think online portfolios are great! They transfer over to the real world
Could they investigate links to imperialism & modern econ & pol problems? Maybe investigate neocolonialism?
A6: Student exhibitions. Check out student projects at Student curators, teen council
these are SIXTH graders? WOW
yes! We began by asking if US is imperial empire. Connected to Star Wars. How do others see us? https://t.co/qhVkNNgRaU
A6: Podcasts, blogs,websites. Next year I want to try moviemaking after learning more on drama and the theater of the oppressed.
A6 A local Oregon T had her Ss nominate this person for prez medal of freedom w/ video to Pres Obama https://t.co/XXictUyzir
A6 Letters. PSAs (published). Petitions.
I've done MidEast peace negotiation simulations. Ss def began to realize situation was more complex than 1st thought.
A6: I've had students write letters to elected officials or newspapers.
A6: One of my goals for next year is sharing/ publishing more authentic products from the Ss next year. Love all the ideas
And they can create artifacts of their actions - audio/video, letters, fundraising accounting, etc.
Time to take my daughter to ballet. Thanks !!
Isn't everything more complex than first thought? A challenge is to find something that is not.
I've given extra points to students who could get our Senator to retweet their current events comments
Yes, but w/ MidEast peace it seemed Ss always reverted to, "Why can't they just get along?" Ummmm...
This is where it comes back to context.
explain the cycle of violence -IRA and England, Sunni/Shi'ia, etc - US and USSR in Mid East
Q6 I have my students write letters to our Congress representatives. It shows them they can ideally make a difference
I always sound like Elmer Fudd when Ss ask me that question https://t.co/aBI2C1vS6T
Yes, but w/ MidEast peace it seemed Ss always reverted to, "Why can't they just get along?" Ummmm...
A7: S & family adopted Syrian refugee family. S asked class to help her collect supplies. Most did not. One did. I did, too.
A7 be careful, but be a guide. Can't always be something assigned - but students are welcome to free speech, even if we aren't
we discussed Yemen and proxy wars in depth this semester - good results
I've got some very opinionated youngsters when it comes to Trump and Clinton as well!
A7 The "informed" part even more important, if controversial.
I always use an example - I am pro-Canada, but if they hurt my family by firing a missile into a "terrorists" house next door...
A7: Would love to lead efforts, but found these issues too hot for adults much less Ss.
A7: Let the Ss take the lead - both on the convo and the action. They know more than we give credit for
love! Way to be an awesome example!!!!
Tend to agree w/ this. But be prepared to document efforts were student led.
Me too - though mine are mostly terrified he'll be elected and deport them all.
I like this! I will be adopting this next semester
I had a student teacher collapse in tears during a difficult discussion. So proud of her and how she refused to back away
S grad speaker said people are dying to leave Syria to get what we take for granted... be active with your freedom!
It's so important to bring it home, so to speak. Need to look all sides of the issue.
Always. But I have a soc studies teacher principal and HS kids - mostly just focus on proof and respect
A8) Think big part of it is creating classroom atmosphere that is open, caring, & welcoming. Ss can discuss, plan, work together.
I've got older students who tell me if either is elected they will move to Canada
I vote Alexander Hamilton :) Just sayin'
A8: Let them run with it and say what they believe (respectfully).
A8 just that - don't do the work for them - steer them in right direction - let them fail and succeed
My middle schoolers blurt things out, often on purpose, looking for a reaction. Very hard to discuss the presidential primaries.
lol, sounds like the candidates ;)
A7: Help guide Ss; they can make a difference. My Ss made snowflakes for Sandy Hook bc they wanted to do something.
Teach students the skills to give Kind, Specific, Helpful feedback - gotta start there - Culture of R E S P E C T!
Ahh, the joys of middle schoolers still working to master the brain to mouth filter. Have one of those in my house. ;)
A8) such a great question and a hard one! It is easier when the Ss are 1:1 and they have more research opportunities
parking: There are one cars having different performance in garage. Feel in the seat of the dri https://t.co/WC5niuqq9J
