The Importance of Social Studies Education

Teaching is one of the most important professions an individual can have. Young students are the future of this world and what they learn now will impact everyone’s lives forever. Social Studies classrooms across North Carolina provide a learning environment where the past meets the future and students learn to apply previously learned knowledge into today’s society.

Academic excellence is achieved in Social Studies by supporting interest in culture, time, people, places, and ideas. Social Studies in North Carolina encompass a vast range of topics including, history, geography, economics, political science, sociology, and psychology. These elements are vital for studying the past and learning from previous failures and successes. In the classroom it is also important to present multiple perspectives on history to give the most accurate representation. The information students learn in Social Studies allows them to apply their knowledge and skills into everyday life. By giving students a sense of citizenship and patriotism to state and country, Social Studies classrooms provide a means to develop into an upstanding society.

Social Studies provide the foundations of the American political system and explore the values and principles of American democracy. Students will learn to make educated decisions on economic and political issues through Civics classes. Students will be able to analyze the political freedoms available to Americans, as well as domestic and foreign policy in United States History class. Geography class entertains concepts of global connections and knowledge of diverse cultures. Patterns of human behavior, using methods from psychology and sociology, can help students apply concepts to individuals, societies, and cultures.

Skills obtained in the social studies curriculum are useful throughout a student’s life. As students develop a greater knowledge of concepts and generalizations in social studies, they are provided opportunities to develop and apply these skills to enhance critical thinking processes. All Social Studies classes allow students to grow interpersonal relationships and develop social participation. Social Studies is not just remembering facts, it builds reading and vocabulary skills as well as presents an opportunity for students to research to gather information and report on it. Students are analyzing and interpreting what they study in Social Studies to create projects to educate others. Social Studies class also applies decision-making and problem solving techniques to make informed decisions on topics.

Teaching is a commitment to your class and yourself. The time spent making lesson plans and gathering resources is a critical part of organizing an effective classroom. A Social Studies teacher must be a life-long learner and apply the elements of teaching and learning to their class everyday. Social Studies is designed to ensure that North Carolina prepares students to become productive citizens. An understanding of history, geography and the social sciences, allow students to make personal decisions for themselves, participate in civic affairs, and contribute to economic productivity.