GENERATING PROGRESS IN LEARNING
NORMITA S. DIZON
Araling Panlipunan or Social Studies subject is sometimes misunderstood by many for they find it very boring. A class which is boring depends on the teacher who is teaching. If the teacher is physically active, then there’s no point in having a boring class. Therefore, teachers of social studies should be guided with their teaching techniques for them to be able to make an informative and active class.
A teacher has to make use of various kinds of methods techniques of teaching. The teacher needs to understand how students learn and develop their intellectual, social and personal development. These methods of teaching should be according to the needs and interests of learners. Through making use of an efficient method for making his teaching meaningful, purposeful, interesting and effective. The methods of teaching should be according to the needs and interests of learners.
There are many useful teaching strategies to support effective teaching in social sciences. This includes a variety of graphic organizers; learning ideas; tools and resources for writing and presenting information; and ideas for oral and visual activities. Lecturing is the oldest way of teaching. It is widely used in schools and colleges. It is a good method because is covers a wide topic which discusses the topics that are related to the lesson. It can also motivate the students. On the other hand, Graphic organizers can help students organize and view information and ideas in order for them to come up with an effective learning.
Another strategy is brainstorming. Students will be able to say possible problems of the given case using brainstorming technique. Students will be able to say the possible solutions for the problems for the given case using brainstorming technique.
Through this, students can share their thoughts so that they can be able to produce written activities, such as essay and reports. The key to have an effective way of teaching in social studies is building understandings that will lead the learners in the different approaches especially in social inquiries. As they make meaning they are able to explore and analyze values and perspectives relating to these ideas and events; and develop understandings about issues and the ways that people make decisions and participate in social action.
In resemblance to this matter, the subject matter should also be considered. The teacher ought to understand the main concepts of the subject that he/ she teaches which could create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for student. The teacher should perceive the environment that could affect the group’s behavior that can inspire positive social interaction, active participation in learning. In addition, assessment is also a necessity. Teachers should evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner. The student should also reflect on their understanding about the subject matter.
Role playing are also effective for they are used to present a specific situation for study and discussion. There is no prepared script. It is unrehearsed and it has only limited time. Role play is a way of bringing situation from real life into the classroom and students make the situation fixed and act as they go.
To make a better competency in learning social studies, a teacher must be resourceful, wise, and gumptious. The development of the learning process is in the hands of the teachers in our present generation. The teachers should be the molder of the students that will hone their excellence in studies.
— oOo— The author is SST III at Camachiles National High School, Division of Mabalacat Ci t y