Teaching Social Studies in Middle and Secondary Schools

Peter Martorella made many exemplary contributions to the field of social studies education. We are honored to take up the social studies mantle that he left to the field through the revision of this text. We were both colleagues of Peter and share many of the same beliefs that he held regarding the teaching and learning of social studies. For those of you who didn't have a chance to work with Peter, we hope that you will get to know him through his work which lives on in this textbook and in the many books and articles he authored. His work demonstrates what a gifted and forward-thinking educator he was and is a testament to the enormous impact Peter had in the field of social studies education. He was a visionary who, among other things, predicted years before its time that technology would play an influential role in how we teach and learn in social studies. For those who knew Peter and have faithfully used this textbook because you share his philosophy about teaching the social studies, rest assured that the things you value about this book, the foundational beliefs about how to teach and develop outstanding social studies educators, remain intact. We have crafted this edition to rest heavily on Peter's previous work and added sections and features that enhance and illustrate his words and examples. We believe that he would be proud to know that both the colleagues who use his book and the new authors are carrying out the work he felt was so important. Peter wrote his books by tapping three wellsprings of information: teacher craft wisdom, research findings relative to instruction, and well-grounded theories. He felt that when blended, these streams gave new and experienced educators insight into how effective social studies instruction could be nurtured and sustained. Research and theory, in turn, offer complementary insights into how teachers might most effectively teach social studies. These represent the accumulations of scholars' tested conclusions under controlled conditions and in varied settings over time. They also include scholars' hypotheses and reflective deductions supported by logic and evidence. Research and theory help to explain craft wisdom. They can also suggest other practical applications for instruction and identify areas that require attention in our social studies classes. Work done by researchers and theorists can aid us in designing and selecting materials and texts that engage students and stimulate reflection. In addition, they can provide us with models for analyzing our teaching behaviors and generating new instructional strategies. It was Peter's belief that a well-balanced social studies program consists of matters of the head, the hand, and the heart. He used this metaphor to illustrate that the fundamental purpose of social studies should be the development o# reflective, competent, and concerned citizens. He believed that theory, research, and craft wisdom were the beacons for effective social studies teaching. His approach was constructivist, and he urged teachers to build and implement meaningful activities to engage students. We share Peter's philosophy and draw on our research, theory, and university work as well as the craft wisdom honed through 40 years of teaching experience. We hope those who did not know Peter will learn from the foundation he laid. Those who knew him should rediscover vintage Martorella. Features of This Text This book was designed to assist preservice and inservice middle and secondary teachers in becoming more effective teachers of social studies. Toward this end, several steps have been taken to make it readable and understandable to audiences with different levels and needs. Each chapter has a detailed outline on the opening page to serve as an advance organizer. Also, throughout the text, key terms appear inboldfaceto alert the reader to their importance. At the end of each chapter are suggested activities thaMartorella, Peter H. is the author of 'Teaching Social Studies in Middle and Secondary Schools', published 2004 under ISBN 9780131172449 and ISBN 0131172441.