Social Studies Education

1. Synthesize Knowledge

The graduate will read and synthesize educational literature, describe fundamental theories of human learning, and apply knowledge of human learning, and effective pedagogy to the solution of practical problems in their field(s). Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

• Write a conference paper based on the standards of either a state, regional or national conference
• Write a grant proposal based on published grant guidelines
• Write an analysis of a curriculum or its elements
• Write a curricular document that connects educational theory and research.
• Write a journal article based on the publication guidelines for a national or comparable journal
• Write a project report based on a research project
• Design and implement an instructional development project
• Actively participate in the design and implementation of a course or a workshop and write a critical

2. Create Knowledge

The graduate will describe common research methods in their field(s), read and evaluate educational research, and apply research findings to the solution of practical problems in their field(s). Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

• Conduct a mini-research project individually or collaboratively with peers or faculty
• Conduct education research
• Develop instructional materials based on research findings and/or theory

3. Communicate Knowledge

The graduate will communicate effectively in both oral and written formats, including the ability to communicate content from their field(s) through the design and delivery of effective teaching/learning activities that integrate content and pedagogy, adapt instruction and support services to the needs of diverse learners, and appropriately assess learning outcomes. Candidates will demonstrate achievement in activities from the following list to satisfy this competency.

• Present at one university, state, regional, or national meeting, class or colloquium
• Present the results of an independent study project
• Submit an article to an appropriate journal
• Develop instructional materials that communicate information to diverse users (learning segment, unit or lesson plan)

4. Think Critically and Reflectively

The graduate will develop a personal vision of inclusive educational practice, identify the relationship of their field(s) to the broader field of education, and critically evaluate theory and practice. Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

• Prepare a critical and reflective paper on scholarly topics in education
• Prepare a book/literature review
• Prepare a constructive critique of a research design
• Prepare a reflective autobiography
• Prepare a journal or reflective piece on one’s growth in understanding of what it means to be a teacher

5. Engage in Professional Development

The graduate will demonstrate the disposition for life-long learning and continuous professional development. Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

• Participate in workshops and other professional development opportunities related to social studies education
• Write a paper or make a presentation about professional development opportunities
• Attend professional conferences or symposia
• Write a paper or make a presentation about their own engagement in profession

6. Participate Actively in Professional Community

The graduate will identify communities of practice and participate within these communities. Candidates will demonstrate achievement of one or more of the following to satisfy this competency.

• Demonstrate in writing an understanding of and adherence to the discipline’s professional code of ethics
• Participate actively in state, regional and national professional organizations
• Provide volunteer service to community
• Conduct professional development workshops
• Conduct K-12 or higher education workshops
• Publish a manuscript in a related journal
• Participate actively in outreach events