CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM AND REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Background of the Study Social Studies is one of the most useful and important subjects taught in school. It has been on existence since the
beginning
of
time
as
people
of
certain
ancient
civilizations make use of studying and putting into account the events of the past to help keep them on track and move forward the
through
base
to
different innovations. History serves as create
certain
advanced
technologies
or
instruments to promote and prosper a better way of living. One example is the pyramids of Egypt. As historians study the Egyptians past, culture and techniques in creating such indestructible structures of the pyramid, they have proven the great importance contributed by history through similar infrastructures
we
see
today
which
adopts
the
way
the
pyramids were built. Generally speaking, social studies, be it named “History” or “Araling Panlipunan” in more basic terms, feeds the curiosity of every individual, resulting in our present generations better way of living, with each one owning their personal sense of the “how’s” and “whys” of
every
event.
An
effective
or
successful
learning
of
Social Studies therefore leaves a community knowledgeable.
As
to
how
important
Social
Studies
is
as
subject,
teachers create an impact as to whether or not the students have captured the concepts of the said subject every time they
deliver
certain
topics.
The
interest
felt
by
the
students for the subject is generated by the teacher. If a subject
such
as
the
Social
Studies
is
interesting
or
inviting, it is of great certainty that the students will gain at least enough interest to listen and learn from the lessons discussed. Enclosed in this positive-teacher-student interaction are different factors which may be the primary root of the student’s interest or boredom on their studies. However, these factors depend on the type of students being taught. For instance, if the student finds interest on a subject full
of
writings
games, on
the
he
may
board,
be and
bored vice
with
long
versa.
lectures
Aside
from
or the
teaching technique used by the teacher, skills and values may also be considered as factors. Ideal teachers may be difficult to define because the type of students must be considered. The teacher’s flexibility most probably is one of the best qualities a classroom must have in order to attain
educational
success in Social Studies. Generally,
this learning success must be attained by both teachers and students through the teachers and students. It might not be
enough
for
the
subject
Social
Studies
to
gain
success
through the teacher’s ability to educate only to attentive students. Once again, the value flexibility is enclosed. The performance of the students in Social Studies and the tactic brought by teacher to teach is as important as Social
Studies
classroom,
effect
all
these
teacher-student flexibility
on
the
factors
interaction
become
necessary
world depend
today. upon
where in
Inside the
kind
supervision
order
to
bring
the of and
about
academic accomplishment in Social Studies.
Review of Related Literature Teaching is one of those things that nearly everybody thinks he or she can do better than the experts. Everybody has taught something to somebody at one time or another, after
all.
We
begin
our
amateur
teaching
careers
as
children by imposing our superior knowledge on our younger siblings or playmates. As students, we pass judgment among our
peers
on
this
or
those
teachers
capabilities.
As
adults, those of us who do not teach professionally stand ever ready to criticize those who do (Evans, 1989). The teacher and his teaching approach play a great role in the learning
of
the
student.
It
depends
upon
the
kind
of
teaching for students to feel free and comfortable with the
kind of strategy a teacher portrays within the classroom. Many
types
teachers affects
of
teaching
worldwide. a
student
A
strategies good
are
being
teaching
adapted
strategy
by
greatly
psychologically making him invigorated
with the lesson thus making him pay more attention in class. Group
Learning
collaborative
is
the
learning.
mainly
There
approach
are
many
to
organize
collaborative
learning methods, which also can be considered as group learning
methods
and
popularly
used
in
environment.
If
they
can
be
utilized
environment,
modeling
and
stimulating
classroom-based into work
web-based should
be
finished first. One of the purposes is to find a common approach, which can be used to stimulate small learning group based on different collaborative learning methods, on the other hand, the optimal solution is to model any small group
learning
method,
but
it
is
quite
difficult
to
realize. Some experiences can be got and can be applied to model common group learning process (Zhao, et al., 2002). Students’ working in groups is another way a teacher can enforce
a
lesson
plan.
Collaborating
allows
students
to
talk among each other and listen to all view points of discussion or assignment. It helps students think in an unbiased way. When this lesson plan is carried out, the teacher may be trying to assess the lesson of working as a
team,
leadership
skills
or
presenting
with
roles
(Lardizbal, et al., 1997). Cooperative
Learning
is
a
systematic
pedagogical
strategy that encourages small groups of students to work together for the achievement of a common goal. The term collaborative cooperative strategy
learning learning
that
interactions
is
often
when,
encompasses
such
as
used
as
a
in
fact,
it
is
a
broader
developing
synonym a
range
learning
for
separate of
group
communities,
stimulating student/faculty discussions , and encouraging electronic
exchanges
(Bruffee,
1993).
Both
approaches
stress the importance of faculty and student involvement in the learning process. Demonstrations are done to provide an opportunity in learning new exploration and visual learning tasks from a different perspective. Demonstrations can be exercised in several ways. Here teacher will be also a participant. He will
do
the
work
(Lardizabal,
et
with
al.,
his/her
1997).
student
Use
the
for
their
demonstration
help or
“doing” method to teach skills. Demonstrate, step-by-step, the
procedures
procedures reason
for
if
in
a
job task, using the exact physical
possible. While demonstrating, explain the
and
the
significance
of
each
step.
To
be
effective, plan the demonstration so that you will be sure
to show the steps in the proper sequence and to include all steps. If you must give the demonstration before a large group or if the trainees might have trouble seeing because of the size of the equipment involved, use enlarged devices or training aids. When practical, allow trainees to repeat the procedure in a “hands on” practice session to reinforce the
learning
trainees can
process.
mistakes
help
them
demonstration
and
learn
By
immediately
correcting
the
reinforcing proper procedures, you the
approach
is
task a
more very
quickly.
The
effective
direct
method
of
instruction, especially when trainees have the opportunity to
repeat
the
procedures
(http:/www.tpub.com/content/advancement/14504/css/14504_27. htm). Service Learning is a method of teaching through which students
apply
their
academic
skills
and
knowledge
to
address real-life needs in their own communities. Service learning provides a compelling reason to learn, teaches the skills service
of
civic and
participation
civic
and
develops
responsibility.
an
Service
ethic
of
learning
increases motivation and retention of academic skills as specific learning goals are tied to community needs. By solving real problems and addressing real needs, students learn to apply classroom learning to a real word context.
At the same time, students provide valuable services to schools
and
emphasize
communities.
both
the
Service
service
and
learning
the
projects
learning.
Service
learning is a way to provide more authenticity and purpose for classroom learning (McPherson, 2001). Lecturing is one of the most strategies in classrooms especially in Math, Science, English and Social Studies. According to Cashin (1990), 80% of all college-classroom students in the late 1970s in the United States use the lecture method. Although a variety of teaching strategies are available, the lecture method remains an important way to relay information to students. The lecture in its many forms is the most commonly used method for transferring information questions
in
education.
regarding
There
are,
however,
serious
the effectiveness of the traditional
lecture approach. Arredondo, et al. (1994) point out that, although the lecture method is used extensively in medical education,
academic
physicians
often
are
not
trained
in
giving effective lectures. There presently are many calls to move away from the traditional lecture to interactive computer
learning
information
when
systems and
that
where
allow
they
need
students it
access
(Edlich,
to
1993;
McIntosh, 1996; Twigg, 1994). While this shift to “just in time” information provided by computer is accruing, there
is, and will continue to be, a need for educators who are prepared
to
Torraco
deliver
(1995),
centuries
ago
lectures.
the
as
a
According
lecture teaching
was
to
Swanson
established
process
that
began
and
formally with
a
literal reading of important passages from the text by the master,
followed
by
the
master’s
interpretation
of
the
text. Students were expected to sit, listen and take notes. In writing about lecture method in education, Vella (1992) defines the lecture as the formal presentation of content by the educator for the subsequent learning and recall in examinations lecture
by
simply
students. as
an
Ruyle
oral
(1995)
presentation
describes
of
the
instructional
material. A good ideal of experimentation with discussion as a technique for the classroom and as a tool for implementing the democratic process has been done recently. The use of discussion is an attempt to get away from the traditional classroom
procedure
recitation
style.
classroom
activities
of
the
Discussion in
is
question-and-answer used
which
to
teacher
designate and
and group
students
cooperatively consider certain topics or problems. It is a thoughtful consideration of the relationships involved in the
topic
or
problem
under
study
(Lardizabal,
et
al.,
1997). There are two ways to stimulate discussion: one is
to
recall
on
the
past
lesson
to
refresh
memories
of
students and the other is to list down critical point or emerging issues. Discussion depends on the planning of the instructor and the preparedness of the students to respond. Problem-based learning (PBL) is focused, experiential learning
(minds-on,
hands-on)
organized
around
the
investigation and resolution of messy, real-world problems. PBL curriculum provides authentic experiences that faster active
learning,
support
knowledge
construction,
and
naturally integrates school learning and real life; this curriculum
approach
also
addresses
state
and
national
standards and integrates disciplines. Students are engaged problem
solvers,
identifying
the
root
problem
and
the
conditions needed for a good solution, pursuing meaning and understanding,
and
becoming
self-directed
learners.
Teachers are problem-solving colleagues who model interest and enthusiasm for learning and are also cognitive coaches who
nurture
an
environment
that
supports
open
inquiry
(Torp, et al., 2002). Providing an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences has proven to be an effective way of both disseminating and integrating knowledge. The case method is an instructional strategy that engages students in active discussion about
issues and problems inherent in practical application. It can highlight fundamental dilemmas or critical issues and provide format for role playing ambiguous or controversial scenarios. Course content cases can come from a variety of sources. Many faculties have transformed current events or problems
reported
critical
through
learning
complexity
of
print
or
experiences
finding
broadcast
that
solutions
to
media
into
illuminate
the
critical
social
problems. The case study approach works well in cooperative learning or role playing environments to stimulate critical thinking
and
awareness
of
multiple
perspectives
(http://www.gmu.edu/facstaff/part-time./strategy.html) The National Council for Social Studies defines Social Studies as “the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic competence.” It involves the study of social interaction and human behavior. Some fields include: sociology, history, political science, economics, religion, geography and anthropology. According Alternative about
to
Rodney
the
Approach
exacerbates
purposes, by
historically Furthermore,
he
the
to
M.
White
Teaching
goals problem
and of
on
article,
History”, uses
of
choosing
significant
events
stated
“The
that
his
the
debates
school
history
what worth
issue
“An
of
constitutes tracing…” historical
significance
has
been
multiculturization
of
further
many
western
exacerbated
by
societies,
the
rendering
questions about “whose” history to teach as important as to “which” history. The
importance
of
Social
Studies
is
to
learn
more
about the culture, geography and tradition of a race or country;
it
contribution universe
on
is of how
also
important
to
civilizations
and
the
it
the
life
began
and
know
the
history forms
wars, of
that
the rose
during these eras.
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework Subjects being thought within the four corners of a classroom serve as the framework of the next generations success. Therefore, in order for development to take place and continually grow, a particular subject must bring about sense and knowledge to the students, knowing the importance it will bring. Each subject has its own field to cover in our daily lives. Social Studies, for instance, has its own ideas and principles, stating the reason why it is being taught. The teachers play an important role as the bearers of the concepts of Social Studies. These concepts are fully obtained in the teacher’s approach meet the interests of the students. Since the teachers have been entrusted with
such responsibilities, they are to promote the quality of education
among
individuals. An ideal teacher’s approach
includes the skills and capacity he/she has been trained to activate understand
while
teaching.
better.
This
Another
will
ideal
help
the
approach
students
encloses
a
teacher’s interpersonal relationship with students. These help
them
gain
comfort
while
studying
in
a
particular
environment. In turn, the teacher gains the students trust. Students, as the leaders of tomorrow’s innovations, need the principles of Social Studies which must be delivered with strength and proper approach by the teacher. A. Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents o Sex o Age o Civil Status o Educational Background B. Teaching Approaches: o Group Learning Method 1. Teamwork 2. Cooperative Learning o Demonstration Method 1. Videotapes 2. Games o Fieldwork Method 1. Hands-on 2. Service Learning o Lecture Method 1. Discussion 2. Discussion with Quiz o Problem-Based Learning Method 1. Cases 2. Guided Design
Evaluation of Ideal Teaching Approach
Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Study Statement of the Problem
This Approach
study which
Specifically,
comes
to
benefits the
determine
both
study
the
seeks
the
Ideal
Teaching
teacher
and
students.
answer
the
following
to
questions: 1.
What
is
the
profile
of
students
and
teachers
respondents in terms of: a. Gender b. Age c. Civil Status d. Educational Background 2.
What are the Ideal Teaching Approaches in Social Studies as perceived by the students and teachers?
3.
Is
there
perceptions
a
significant
difference
of
the
and
student
teachers
on on
the the
teaching approaches in Social Studies?
Statement of Hypothesis Ho:
There
perceptions
is
no
of
the
significant student
difference
and
teachers
on
the
on
the
on
the
on
the
teaching approaches in Social Studies. Ha:
There
perceptions
is
no
of
the
significant student
difference
and
teachers
teaching approaches in Social Studies.
Significance of the Study The following group of individuals may benefit from the countless information obtained from the study, be it in a small or large way. DepEd Administrators/Authorities. The result of this study will provide them important and reliable information regarding students
the for
most easy
effective
approach
of
teachers
and
learning. They will be able to share
these results to many more communities for them to apply. School Administrators. Due to a possible significant change in teaching strategies and performance of students, they, too, will experience or benefit from the result of these positive changes. They might continue in consulting the student body regularly about the teaching strategies they
find
most
comforting.
They
will
now
realize
the
importance of such simple factors. Teachers. They may be more open to different teaching strategies they are welcomed to adopt. This will give them a chance to discover teaching strategies of their choice and likeness for better application and performance as to teacher. Students. They will be able to appreciate the lessons taught by the teachers and may even receive an opportunity to experience the teaching strategy they prefer most. This
will then help their performance in schools, especially in academics.
Scope and Limitations of the Study This
study
focuses
approach
or
teaching
National
High
School.
mainly
strategy This
study
on
the
of
teachers
shall
ideal
teaching
in
mention
Agusan numerous
teaching approaches which students and teachers may find most effective in terms of providing the best strategies for easy learning. The respondents in this study include 1.) the social studies teachers and their choice of which teaching approach they think is the most effective and 2.) the
students
in
the
third
year
level,
to
choose
which
teaching strategy brings them the best comfort and ease while learning. The
personal
factors-
sex,
age,
civil
status,
and
educational background are needed to make a fairly accurate study.
The
currently
generated
or
applied
teaching
approaches are compared for different groups of people to be knowledgeable of the most effective teaching approach there is.
Definition of Terms
Common knowledge and understanding of this study are needed, thus these terms were defined. Role Playing. The term refers to a method in teaching social
studies
wherein
the
problem
is
to
introduce
dramatically. It is also used to provide opportunity to practice skills. Lecture. The term refers to a teaching method wherein the
teacher
presents
factual
material
like
maps/globes.
This contains experience which inspires and stimulates to open a discussion. Lecture with Discussion. The term refers to a method involving the teacher and student to question, clarify and challenge related to the topic. Brainstorming. The term refers to a method which is used to encourage full participation because all ideas are equally recorded. Usually done in groups or pairs. Videotapes. The term refers to an entertaining way of teaching content and raising issues related to the topic. Class Discussion. The term refers to a method wherein everyone is allowed to participate in an active process. Small Group Discussion. The term refers to a method wherein a discussion can reach group consensus.
Report-back Sessions. The term refers to a large group discussion
of
role
plays,
case
studies
and
small
group
exercise. Index Card Exercise. The term refers to a method used in social studies to explore the difficulties and complex issues. Various Clarification Exercise. The term refers to a method given to explore values and beliefs, usually used in some religions in the world discussion. Questioning. The term refers to a teaching method that involves question similar to testing. Explaining. The term refers to another teaching method which is similar to lecturing. Demonstrating. The term refers to a teaching method of social studies used to provide an opportunity in learning new exploration and visual learning tasks from a different perspective. Collaborating. The term refers to students working in groups so that the teacher can enforce a lesson plan. It has less used in social studies. Social Studies. The term refers to an academic subject devoted to the study of society and including geography, economics and history.
History. The term refers to events that happened in the past. Student.
The
term
refers
to
an
individual
who
is
studying in school. Teacher. The term refers to an individual who teaches students a certain subject.
