Constructivist Social Studies Lesson Grades 4/5

[cbscansuckmyass]

You know I think I only liked HSIE (human societies and its environments, as it is called in NSW , Australia) because of all the interactive activities we engaged in.

[jellyej]

i think that's good trial.. becaus students don't like social studies because they think that's too hard to learn, but i think this kind of  lesson is good, students can participate more to the lesson.

[axcvilla]

I really have no idea where there are so many people putting hate on this video. I recently went back to school to get my PGDE and we've been sent out to look for class demonstrations where constructivist teaching techniques are being used. Its very hard to find...

Teachers really ought to stop whining about what other teachers have (bitter much?) and they ought to start thinking about how they can take what others are doing and adapting it to their classroom.

[jtscreenit]

good job!  :)

[iNoLonger]

Interesting... social studies is pretty easy to teach, but this is just bad..

[Knowyerfacts]

Touchy Touchy. Im Title 1 also. Slated for 10% IEP population but 30+% of my students have an IEP, therefore I am out of compliance with a federally mandated IEP the moment that I take attendence! I have crack babies, sex offenders, kids who don't know their own birthday's, and full emersion ESL without adequate support from the system or parents, oh and my kids need to pass a state Regent exam. Think you and your imagination could handle that? (PS: No obvious diversity in your video)

[tbed63]

@Knowyerfacts Definitely sounds like your situation is more challenging than mine. A little kindness in your comments would be much appreciated. Your comment tone is very judgmental. And no, I don't have much of an imagination, just a few ideas that have worked with kids of all SE groups over the years that I'd like to share with people who are willing to learn. I'm always learning and probably could get some great ideas from you. So what does diversity look like?

[Knowyerfacts]

@tbed63 You are correct, and I am sorry for coming off as harshly toned as I did. Its just very frustrating being in the environment that im in... and oddly enough, I chose to be there... me and my saving the world mentality. East New York (Brownsville, Bed Stuy, Canarsie, Bushwick). This year we finally had budget for a Dean so behavior has improved, but the other issues remain. The "History Alive" people refuse to come to my school to do a demo and yet they want me to order their product.

[Knowyerfacts]

Just a few quick observations; This is NOT a very culturally diverse classroom. This is apparently an upscale district with adequate funding (notice the LCD projector on the ceiling). In my school we are always shown the same type of motivational teachings, but I would like to see somebody make this work in a more challenging teaching environent. 80% of my students enter high school reading and writing 1-4 years below grade level. Just sayin.

[tbed63]

@Knowyerfacts Hi Know Yer Facts. I'm glad you know all about my school ; ) And now for the facts...we are a Title 1 school. Not culturally diverse? So you are judging based on my kids' skin color? Don't want to touch that one. LCD projector? Actually schools with lower SE populations receive more funding, thus the projector. The fancy room you see is funded out of my pocket; painted with the help of parents. My 'environent' is challenging just like yours. I love how some people can't imagine..

[tbed63]

@Knowyerfacts ...that there are teachers out there who have good ideas that just might work. Anyone who makes a video must be faking it, staging it, or have a set of perfect kids to work with. Just sayin'.

[babsbda]

good job! I love how you have captured the enthusiasm of the children and how their own comments articulate the value of hands on learning as opposed to book and test learning! Well done!

[erinrecleis]

I really enjoyed this video. I learn about this in class a lot. But its great to see how it really works out. The video showcases thats its not just a theory it can be reality

[nissi897]

i luv the way your students explain what they are doing.. ill use your video as an example of constructivism today in my class in college.

[SanskritZ]

ok..cool good job fantastic.