Learning Methodology - Essay Example

Explanation of the pros and cons of the different learning methods: I. Introduction There are several methods in learning social science. Each method has its own pros and cons and this can be better illustrated through comparing and contrasting it through a visual aid. II. Comparison Matrix  a) Integrated social studies learning – integrated social studies learning is an interdisciplinary approach where two or more disciplines are taught in conscious relation to one another" (Jacobs, 1989 pg. 7) under an interdisciplinary curriculum that espouses "a knowledge view and curriculum approach that consciously applies methodology and language from more than one discipline to examine a central theme, issue, problem, topic, orexperience" (p. 8). Integrated approach to learning intends to facilitate more learning by combining the various disciplines to real life situations. This type of learning transcends to a more interconnected view of the universe [where] knowledge is seen as an abstract whole to be accessed through inquiry of themes, issues, experiences, and problems (Mathison and Freeman, 1997). This approach to social studies learning also encourages discussion, critical thinking, creativity and decision making which is applicable in a real world setting. Its drawback is its cost because implementation of integrative learning may require an overhaul of the curriculum being used in the current K-12 system. b) Textbook social studies learning.  According to the study of (Petrides et al., 2011) while textbooks provide a cost saving method to facilitate learning, textbook learning still requires more opportunities for more engagement and interaction such as “in-class discussions led by students, supported by web-based interactive technologies” (41). Compared to integrative learning, textbook learning is very limited as the interpretation of the universe is limited only to the viewpoint of the author and does not provide the opportunity for application, comparison and discussion of the text. c) Commercially purchased social studies learning – commercially purchased social studies learning such as technology assisted teaching medium (DVD tutorials, online learning) became more versatile today than they were first introduced, it still cannot facilitate critical reflection and decision making due to the limitation of the medium (Rose and Fernlund, 1997). Unlike the integrative method of social studies learning where a student can infer to various discipline in synthesizing his or her interpretation of the universe, commercially purchased social studies learning are only limited to the pre-set curriculum of the program purchased. Online learning may provide interaction but the coverage of discussion is not as comprehensive compared to integrative mode of learning. Commercially purchased social studies learning can also be costly because the mode of instruction is highly commercialized. d) Teacher-prepared social studies learning – perhaps the most common teaching method is the teacher prepared social studies learning. Teachers even predate the books as learning was already facilitated through oral transfer when the printed text was not yet around. Transfer of knowledge is typically done on a lecture where a student can ask a question and the teacher answering the same. The method of learning through a teacher prepared curriculum or lesson plan is no longer responsive to the need of the present environment where students has to interpret and synthesize information and making meaning out of them. Lectures delivered by teacher prepared syllabus are limited to the range of knowledge of the teacher thus making synthesis limited due to the limitation of the input. This type of learning however is also cost effective because the cost associated to the transfer of knowledge and skill is only limited to covering the salary of the teacher and his or her instruction materials. III. Supplementary Materials The usage of chart to compare and contrast the pros and cons of integrated social studies learning, textbook social studies learning, commercially purchased social studies learning, teacher-prepared social studies will facilitate easier understanding as the visual aid can easily summarize the differences. IV. Reflection It is already a given that the integrative approach towards learning social studies is the ideal method because it is applicable to real world situation. In addition, it facilitates a holistic learning to the students that will enable him or her to understand the universe better. It is natural question that if indeed it is the ideal method of learning, then why was it not used by the current educational system? The cost may just be very prohibitive as indicated in the chart. Implementing the integrative learning towards social studies may entail an overhaul of the whole curricula of the educational system. This may not be feasible right now considering that United States came from a recent financial crisis and its economy is still in the process of recovering. With regard to the educational system being used in the US, it is still based on K-12 which has been designed since the nineteenth century and is no longer appropriate to the need of the new economy. The present curriculums are more theory based and is geared towards specialization which is no longer reflective of the realities of the new economy. In the midst of globalization where diversity of skills and knowledge is required in the new workplace, being a specialist in one field is no longer as competitive as before. Companies are downsizing and in effect, optimizing the capabilities of their employees and this require fluency in the several discipline of study. Concept and theory based teaching may be necessary to have a solid fundamental of any field of study but this is no longer adequate in the new economy. Students need not only absorb theories and concepts but must also learn how to synthesize them to make meaning and connections from seemingly different knowledge that facilitates critical thinking to ultimately make them applicable in real life. V. Conclusion In the charts illustrated, the integrative approach is more responsive to the new needs of the economy and such should be adopted by the current curricula that emphasizes and facilitates critical thinking and sound decision making the students’ skills and knowledge more relevant in the workplace when they have already graduated from school. The cost associated with it should not be treated as an expense but as an investment that will yield higher returns in the future because it will enhance the capability of the students who will someday be manning our economy. References: Jacobs, H. H. (1989). Interdisciplinary curriculum: Design and implementation. Alexandria,VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Mathison, Sandra; Freeman, Melissa (1997). THE LOGIC OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES. Online. Available at http://www.albany.edu/cela/reports/mathisonlogic12004.pdf [accessed February 19, 2012) Petrides, Lisa; Jimes, Cynthia; Middleton-Detzner, Clare; Walling, Julie; Weiss, Shenandoah (2011). Open textbook adoption and use: implications for teachers and learners. Open Learning, 26(1): 39-49. Rose, Stephen A.; Fernlund, Phyllis Maxey (1997). Using Technology for Powerful Social Studies Learning. National Council for the Social Studies. Online. Available at http://www.learner.org/workshops/socialstudies/pdf/session5/5.UsingTechnologyLearning.pdf. [Accessed February 19, 2012] Read More