From the Margins to the Mainstream
Enhancing Social Awareness in the Social Studies Classroom
Edited by Kenneth Cushner, Joanne Dowdy
Not available to order
Publication date:
27 February 2014Length of book:
164 pagesPublisher
R&L EducationISBN-13: 9781475808940
Understanding and addressing social justice concerns has become a central focus in an increasing number of schools as well as teacher education programs. The activities in this book are grounded in the recognition that personal experience and engagement is essential for meaningful intercultural learning and social justice awareness to occur. The authors of these activities, themselves teachers and teacher educators representing a wide range of disciplines, share their favorite and most engaging strategies they have found to be effective at helping students acquire a level of comfort and insight in what can oftentimes be contentious, challenging and sensitive issues. These hands-on activities actively engage preservice and practicing teachers in real-life and simulated experiences, raising awareness and providing a foundation for introspection, reflection and discussion around these critically important issues in the safety of the classroom setting.
Cushner and Dowdy, along with their contributors, provide an insightful compilation of activities and experiences for future and current educators to examine their beliefs, practices and understandings of social justice. Leading the field of teacher education and foundations, these authors are continuing a tradition of providing opportunities for pre-service and in-service educators to deepen knowledge and skills of diverse populations, develop advocacy positions and become life long stewards of a living democracy for all students.