Knowing Social Studies Is Not Enough: Doing Social Studies Through Project-Based Learning

• In Event: Social Studies Curriculum and Pedagogy

Abstract

The purpose of this teacher research project was to engage middle school students in critical thinking and leaning through experiential learning activities. Two project-based learning simulations contrasted traditional methods of presentation, reading the textbook, and responding to paper pencil tests. The primary question was as follows: Will an analysis of students’ essay writing that results from responses to project-based learning simulations indicate greater evidence of critical thinking among students as contrasted to essay writing in response to traditional teaching methods.

Authors

• Glenda C. Moss, University of North Texas at Dallas

• Sol Joye, Neil Armstrong Middle School