Modelling what we value
Senior social studies enables students to critically explore values and perspectives. The knowledge and skills that this could include are outlined in the
Values statement of The New Zealand Curriculum.
The social sciences are not 'values free'. Core social science values are closely related to the list of values found in the Values statement in The New Zealand Curriculum. Students expect to find congruence between the values we promote and the way we teach.
Teachers of senior social studies should identify when and where these values can be developed and modelled. Some suggestions are given in the
Points of view, values and perspectives.
Foster participation
Give students opportunity to be involved in curriculum and classroom decisions. Create opportunities for democratic participation.
Reward initiative
Challenge students to set their own goals, manage their own work, and share responsibility for group projects. Help them identify the evidence they will need for assessment. Avoid over-specifying and over-controlling.
Encourage innovation, inquiry, and curiosity
Spark curiosity. Engage students in inquiry. Resist the impulse to rescue too soon or to redirect an inquiry that heads somewhere interesting but unexpected.
Respect diversity
Build positive and respectful relationships. Ensure all students feel at home in our classrooms. Encourage and value their ideas, cultural perspectives and contributions.
Promote equity
Build positive and respectful relationships. Help young people put themselves in someone else’s shoes. Be credible and fair. Set high standards of care and consideration for others.
Learn together
Learn with your students them. Learn from your students. Teaching–learning (akō) is a reciprocal activity. Knowledge sharing (wānanga) is more powerful than one-way information transmission.
< Pedagogy
Last updated August 20, 2019
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