Effectively Using Social Studies Textbooks in Historical Inquiry
Social Studies Research and Practice
ISSN: 1933-5415
Article publication date: 1 March 2014
Issue publication date: 1 March 2014
Abstract
Of all of the educational tools used in social studies education, by far the most critiqued is the standard basal textbook. If used properly, nevertheless, textbooks are not as problematic as critics claim and can be a useful tool in the teaching and learning of social studies and history. Based on the focus found in the Common Core Standards on informational texts, the practicality of using textbooks is especially true in today’s educational environment. This article was written with the goal of helping social studies teachers develop lessons that assist their students in meeting the requirements of the Common Core. One specific strategy is described to offer teachers an example of how to effectively use their textbook in a Common Core focused and social studies content-based activity. A sample lesson, based on an inquiry activity titled “Hollywood or History,” is provided.
Keywords
Citation
Roberts, S.L. (2014), "Effectively Using Social Studies Textbooks in Historical Inquiry", Social Studies Research and Practice, Vol. 9 No. 1, pp. 119-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/SSRP-01-2014-B0006
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Publishing Limited