EEd 463/3 Matrix Comparison - Essay Example

In the earlier years, this subject was taught out of the text books as teachers did not have too many options. However in the current times there are a vast range of techniques that can be used to impart this knowledge (Foltos, 2002). The table below provides for a clear understanding and comparison of the pros and cons of the methods of teaching. The above table provides for a clear differentiation among the teaching methods. Each of these has a strong impact on the curriculum design and also on the social studies instructions in terms of the standards that are now set down (Cuban, 1999).

It is essential to understand that the subject is one which needs constant attention from the teachers to ensure that students are on the right track and understanding the concepts and pronouncing the various terms correctly. Also since the subject is not one which has a lot of practical scope and includes more of facts and history and many technical terms, it also needs teachers to ensure that there is use of visual aids. This is because it is a known fact that visual aids tend to help remember things better than reading it (Bishop, 2005).

Thus to ensure that the classes meet up to the needs of the students and also the standards that have been set down, it is the best to use a mix of the various methods, i.e. the integrated social studies learning. This will help provide for a good mixture of textbook knowledge, technology use for understanding and also for teacher interaction within the class. Social studies can become the favourite subject of students if the approach of teaching the subject is nice and it keeps in mind the current trends in the studying patterns of students (Cuban, et.al, 2001). Cuban, Larry, Kirkpatrick, Heather, and Craig Peck.

(Winter 2001). "High Access and Low Use of Technologies in High School Classrooms: Explaining an Apparent Paradox." American Education Research