Two-Column Notes

Date:
8/30

Page #

Name: Kaetlin Bowling

Class/Subject: EDTL 2760

MR Title(s): Why Kids Dont Like Social Studies by Berry, Todd, and Schug
MR Source(s): Schug, M., Todd, R., & Beery. R. (1984). Why kids don't like social studies. Social
Education,
48(5), 382-387.
The Text Says
I Say
Notes (key concepts, direct quotes, etc.)
My notes, commentary

385

When Students reflected upon their social

studies classes, they were unable to recall
quickly significant learning experiences like
a field trip, simulation game, or a class
discuss of a controversial issue.

385

A second way to interpret the students

emphasis on social studies content might
be related to social studies instruction.

My experience has been the complete opposite

of this. In many of my class we have had
debates, simulation games, and fun projects. In
my world studies class we had a class debate
on Pearl Harbor; we argued support for either
Japan or the US and that is something that
stood out to me throughout me education
career. I also remember play witch hunt in
eighth grade social studies. This was a game
that we played to get a feel of the Salem Witch
Trials. By playing these games and having
debates it made me love going to class.
I think that it can be very easy for social studies
to be taught in a very boring way. There are
some teachers that will just lecture about an
event or a person. BY doing this social studies
becomes a subject that students do not enjoy
going to. The type of instruction can make or
break any subject, but I feel that in social
studies it is very important to engage the
students. By doing more activities than
lectures, you are making the subject more

386

The comments of students about what

was not interesting in social studies
reaffirms many of the concerns expressed
by people in the field for several years.
Clearly, many students find social studies
content to be uninteresting because the
information is too far removed from their
own experiences, too detailed for clear
understanding, or repeats information
learned earlier.

enjoyable and then make the students learn the

material.
Social studies is a subject the can relate directly
to students life and what they see going on in
the world. When teachers do not show that
side of the subject students will find the subject
very boring and think that it does not even
relate to them. In showing that side to the
students, they will become more interested in
social studies and want to learn more.

Connections to previous MR: I have liked all of the social studies teachers that I have had starting in
seventh grade. They have always made the class enjoyable to go to by have fun activities like games
and debates. I have always been interested in the material and the teachers were always very
supportive and engaging. I agree with the findings. I think that there are a lot of teachers that have
not communicated with their students to show the importance of social studies. Even though I have
had good social studies teachers, I know some people that have had teachers that were very boring
and just taught the material through lecturing.