Cognitive Challenges in Teaching Social Studies

Social instruction may seem confusing when the emphasis is placed on higher-level thinking skills such as auditory and visual memory.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Visual processing and memory problems make it difficult for students to interpret graphs, charts, illustrations, and maps, common features of middle school social studies textbooks.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Many social studies courses deal with sensitive and at times controversial issues. In these instances, it is important for the teacher to let the students control the situation.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Rote memorization prevents students to engage in the kind of advanced critical thinking skills needed for true learning.

• TRUE

• FALSE

Social studies teachers may find it easier to stick to one method of __________.

• learning

• instruction

• assessment

To successfully deal with false knowledge, teachers should know the subject well, show _________, and develop different teaching modalities.

• Determination

• Enthusiasm

• Knowledge