66.082 - Creating a Continual Cycle of Justice-Oriented Citizens: Examining the Use of Inquiry Learning in Pre-K–16

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium emphasizes the development of active citizenship beliefs and behaviors through inquiry learning in order to combat growing trends of relying upon popular opinion and passive participation in critical societal and policy issues. Four empirical studies will argue for the use of inquiry learning throughout the learning spectrum for the development of justice-oriented citizens (Westheimer & Kahne, 2004b). Through pre-kindergarteners’ curiosities in a garden, fifth graders’ investigations of diverse peoples, middle schoolers’ examinations of community issues, and pre-service teachers’ creation of a teaching structure for deconstruction and exposition of the power/knowledge relationships, we demonstrate the crucial role inquiry learning holds for the development of justice-oriented citizens “prepared to challenge injustice and promote the common good” (NCSS, 2001, p. 319).

Sub Unit

• SIG-Social Studies Research

Chair

• Petra Munro Hendry, Louisiana State University

Papers

• Growing Democratic Citizenship Competencies Through Inquiry Learning in the Preschool Garden - Erin Casey, University of Oklahoma; Cynthia Fontcuberta DiCarlo, Louisiana State University

• A Critical Lens for Elementary Social Studies Inquiry - Katherina Ann Payne, The University of Texas at Austin

• Using Inquiry to Promote Democratic Citizenship Among Young Adolescents During Summer Civics Camps - Michelle Bauml, Texas Christian University; Karon Nicol LeCompte, Baylor University; Brooke Blevins, Baylor University; Nate Scholten, Baylor University; Tori Davis, Baylor University; Nate Scholten, Baylor University; Tori Davis, Baylor University

• The Concept Development Instructional Strategy: Radical Potentials for Complicating Static Truths in a Post-Truth Era - Natasha Hakimali Merchant, University of Washington Bothell

Discussant

• Margaret S. Crocco, Michigan State University