This study assesses the role a teacher-led social studies group played in the evolution of three teachers' professional biographies over the course of seven years. It uses a conceptual framework based on Priestley, Biesta and Robinson's (2015) theory of teacher agency to explore the ecological relationships between professional biography, the…

In this study, researchers used a longitudinal multisite qualitative cross-case study to examine the beliefs and practices of five beginning teachers related to critical historical inquiry. They collected interview, observation, and classroom artifact data over a 5-year period, from teacher preparation through the teachers' 4th year in the…

Inquiry is the essence of social studies, and inquiry "looping" in social studies curricula means offering students opportunities to engage in inquiry in regular intervals and in a coherent fashion within and across grade levels. This can benefit the youngest students since they are filled with hope and want to make a difference in the…

As preservice teachers navigate the emotional and physical stress that teaching demands, they face new pressures ranging from curriculum disputes to a revolving door of political and social policies that attempt to redefine social studies. As such, social studies educators and methods instructors have struggled to develop a common language and set…

The purpose of this instrumental case study was to investigate the lived experiences of secondary social studies teachers in a suburban school as they implemented inquiry-based methods in their classrooms. Teacher perceptions of pedagogy, student learning and methods were analyzed using defined themes to evaluate the lived experiences of secondary…

There is a renewed interest for the use of inquiry in social studies classrooms; though, research has long shown numerous benefits. This lesson seeks to utilize the inquiry method to invigorate the social studies curriculum as well as explore a controversial topic of gender equality in historic representation. Women are often underrepresented in…

This article is guided by a commitment to equitable, affirming, child-centered literacy education, and the belief that student-led inquiry can be embraced within schools since this is an authentic way for children to learn about their world. This article describes how elementary educators can use an inquiry-based researcher's workshop to integrate…

The current challenges facing the electoral system could undermine the peaceful transfer of power and the integrity of elections, two cornerstones of democratic governance. Thus, it is vital to help young people understand how the electoral system works, including the processes in place to ensure accuracy and fairness as well as the real…

In addition to the continuing need for citizens who can address the challenges of "human" communities, growing concerns have arisen regarding "all" life on the planet. Indeed, one of our most urgent conditions is the decline of the environment upon which all life depends. Yet, despite our concerns, there remain vastly differing…

The landscape of education is dynamically evolving with the infusion of technology into classrooms, but it is not just math or science disciplines that are getting a digital makeover. Social studies education has entered a transformative phase as well. The "Computer Science for Social Studies" project, funded by the National Science…

In a recent study of the impact of the "College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards," at least 32 states cited, endorsed, framed, modeled, or adopted the C3 Framework in their social studies standards. Consequently, the expectation for almost 30 million students is that social studies teachers…

Inquiry-based learning is becoming a widely recognized and used pedagogical approach. However, existing research has largely focused on inquiry learning in science education, neglecting fields such as social studies (SS). In Singapore, inquiry learning in SS received an impetus when a component called "Issue Investigation" (II) was…

The College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework continues the long tradition of inquiry-based learning in the social studies by merging disciplinary and critical inquiry approaches. Using the Inquiry Design Model (IDM), an instructional design tool, teachers guide students through a series of formative tasks to address supporting questions. By…

Engaging pre-service teachers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) challenges offers active learning experiences that promote an understanding of the significance of STEAM in early childhood education. By integrating community, cultural, and personal assets, STEAM becomes a versatile approach with endless opportunities for…

Teaching students to make an effective claim is a critical step in establishing a culture of inquiry in the social studies education. After the "College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards" was published in 2013, Ryan Lewis was interested on the phrase "compelling question" and reorganize…