Bringing Social Studies Alive in the Classroom

Course Available
2 Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Enhance Student Learning with Engaging Social Studies Curriculum

This course offers methods for making social studies “alive” to students through the use of engaging and effective student-centered activities and projects, with technology as a major component. Combining technology and classroom resources, participants will receive step-by-step directions for creating and using the proposed activities and creating templates to be used in future activities, as well as being provided with supplementary technology resources that can be used in later lessons. Activities can be applied to social studies topics at almost any grade level and should fit seamlessly into the curriculum, as their value in encouraging and motivating learning is evidenced.

Course Details

Number of Units: 2.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for those that teach or will teach social studies, especially in the elementary and middle school setting.

Course Materials:  No textbook required.  Access to the Internet and several common computer programs (Windows' Word & Excel; Mac's Pages & Numbers) for completion of projects is required.  Optional supplementary activities would make use of video equipment, however, not required.

Technical Requirements

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDU-X748Q – 009 Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317

Bringing Social Studies Alive in the Classroom

Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Mary Hetter

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

What You Will Learn

  • Define how students’ active involvement in social studies motivates learning and creates a better understanding of the subject matter
  • Explore technology resources to create social studies activities
  • Develop activities to fit the social studies classroom
  • Create a detailed lesson plan for at least one social studies activity

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment.  Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

Key differences from traditional classroom methods:

  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.
  • No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
  • Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
  • No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.

Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:

The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:

  • Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
  • Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.

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Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.

Testimonials

The assignments will be applied to my teaching right away! They end products of each module will be great examples/lessons in my own classroom!

The course gave several suggestions and ideas for hands-on ideas to use in the classroom.