Portrayals and Perceptions: Understanding Elementary Students' Views of Women in History

• In Event: 64.082 - Diverse Voices and Narratives in Social Studies Research

Abstract

This study investigates elementary students’ perceptions about women’s roles throughout history, and the extent to which these perceptions can be challenged or expanded by interactive read-alouds within social studies content instruction. Research indicates that women are severely underrepresented in classroom materials, or are included in stereotypical, tokenized forms. This study examines the consequential misperceptions held by third-grade students and the potential shifts in understanding gained by participation in interactive read-alouds describing notable female historical figures. This study has implications for curriculum policy and pre-service and in-service teacher education.

Author

• Alyssa Whitford, Michigan State University