Undergraduate Social Studies Methods Instructors Knowledge and Use of New Curricular Methods

Abstract

The problem investigated was the extent to which undergraduate social studies methods instructors had knowledge of “Sew Social Studies” curricular materials and the extent and nature of the use of these materials in social studies methods instruction. Data was gathered through a mailed questionnaire sent to all undergraduate social studies methods professors in eight western and five midwestern states. Results from the study show that methods instructors had little knowledge of the curricular materials generally associated with the “Sew Social Studies” and rarely used these materials in their teaching. This was in spite of the fact that these materials received a high rating in quality. Consequently, few undergraduate social studies students were told about the materials, saw the materials in published form, saw the materials demonstrated, or had a chance to teach from the materials. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed in the paper.