Republic of the Philippines

PANGASINAN STATE UNIVERISTY

Bayambang Campus
COLLEGE OF TEACHER EDUCATION
Bayambang, Pangasinan

SESSION GUIDE UNIT I

Theme Teaching Social Studies in Elementary Grades (Philippine History and

Governance)
Topic SG 2: Foundation of Social Studies Teaching and Learning
Overview
Every successful concept and project require a well-planned framework and
a strong foundation. These relate to all processes including education. The
foundation of Social Studies Teaching and learning helps young people make
informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as citizens of a culturally
diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world. Social studies content
allows young learners to explain relationships with other people, to institutions, and
to the environment, and equips them with knowledge and understanding of the
past. It provides them with skills for productive problem solving and decision
making as well as for assessing issues and making thoughtful value judgments.
Above all, it integrates these skills and understandings into a framework for
responsible citizen participation locally, nationally, and globally.

National Council for the Social Studies (1994) defines social studies as “the
integrated study of the social sciences and humanities to promote civic
competence. Within the school program, social studies provide coordinated,
systematic study drawing upon such disciplines as anthropology, archaeology,
economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology,
religion, and sociology, as well as appropriate content from the humanities,
mathematics, and natural sciences.”

I. 2002 BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM (BEC)

In 2002, the Department of Education of the Philippines organized a new

basic education curriculum that is aimed Filipinos to be empowered lifelong
learners who are functionally literate. This 2002 Basic Education Curriculum
featured four key reforms: (1) restructured learning areas (Filipino, English,
Science, Mathematics, and Makabayan); (2) stronger integration of competencies
and values across learning areas; (3) greater emphasis on the learning process and
integrative modes of teaching; and (4) increased time to gain mastery of
competencies. The new learning area featured the curriculum called Makabayan,
which is an integration of various disciplines such as Araling Panlipunan, Home
Economics, Physical Education, Health, Music, and Arts. Makabayan aims to have a
learner that has a healthy personal and national identity.
Documents pertaining to the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum often tell that
the basis for such curricular reform was to adapt to the changing world. Moreover,
several studies, reports, and consultations with stakeholders were done starting
1995 in order for the Department to design a new curriculum. At long last, the
report of the Philippine Commission on Educational Reforms (PCER), created by the
virtue of Executive Order No. 46, recommended in its 2000 report that a new and
restructured basic education curriculum must be adopted starting 2002. DepEd
envisions its learners to be a person who is makabayan (patriotic), makatao
(mindful of humanity), makakalikasan (respectful of nature), and maka-Diyos
(godly). In order to be an empowered lifelong learner, the Department believes
that functional literacy is an essential concept that must be incorporated in the new
curriculum.

II. THE MAKABAYAN LEARNING AREA

One of the highlight reforms in BEC is the introduction of a new learning

area called Makabayan. This fifth learning area is described in the BEC document
as the ‘laboratory of life,’ which provides learning experiences that are geared
towards practical knowledge and life skills, particularly the skills of empathy,
vocational efficiency, and problem-solving in daily life. As stated earlier, Makabayan
aims to cultivate Filipino learners to have a healthy personal and national self-
concept. This aim is realized through the integration of varied disciplines such as
Social Studies, Home Economics, Physical Education, Health, Music, and Arts.
Further, it is stated in the BEC document that the core competencies of Makabayan
would be the core competencies also of the said disciplines under it. Integrated
units of learning tasks will be developed without nullifying the integrity of each
discipline within Makabayan. The Makabayan framework works on the premise that
(Pagka)Makabayan (love of country) is the thematic thread that integrates the
different disciplines housed under the learning area. Pagkamakabayan, which is the
basis for the title Makabayan, is defined by DepEd as follows: “Love of country,
which Andres Bonifacio described as banal na pag-ibig, serves as the highlight that
radiates the rainbow-like diversity of values in this learning area. Makabayan will
promote a constructive or healthy patriotism, which is neither hostile nor
isolationist toward other nations but appreciative of global interdependence” [1].
Further, the document states that Makabayan can be represented in an acronym
called SIKAP - S is for Sibika (Civics), Sining (Art); I for Information (and
Communication Technology); K for Kultura (Culture); AP for Araling Panlipunan
(Social Studies), Pagpapahalaga (Values Education), Pangkatawan (Physical
Education), Pangkalusugan (Health), and Pantahanan (Home Economics) at
Pangkabuhayan (Entrepreneurship).

A. Araling Panlipunan (Social Studies) in Makabayan

One of the disciplines under the Makabayan learning area is Social Studies.
The rationale for subsuming Social Studies under this learning area, rather than
being separate like Science or English, is the aim of Makabayan to have learners
who can demonstrate deeper appreciation of Filipino culture and patriotism. With
Social Studies as an integrated study of social sciences and humanities drawing
from various disciplines such as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography,
history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology,
DepEd deemed the discipline befitting to be included in Makabayan.

At the Elementary level, the focus of social studies is Civics and Culture
(Sibika at Kultura), and Geography, History, and Civics (HekaSi- Heograpiya,
Kasaysayan, at Sibika). Social Studies or Araling Panlipunan is not used as a term
rather, acronyms were utilized to denote the focus of the study. Details of the
elementary social studies curriculum under BEC 2002 can be found in the Philippine
Elementary Learning Competencies (PELC). According to PELC, the goal of social
studies in the elementary level is as follows: “Nagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa
bayan at pagmamalaki sa mga pambansang pagkakakilanlan, at mga karapatan at
tungkuling dapat gampanan; may positibong saloobin at pagpapahalagang
nakatutulong sa pag-aangkop sa nagbabagong panahon; may kakayahan sa
pangangasiwa sa kapaligiran, kasanayan sa masusi at mapanuring pagiisip at may
global na pananaw upang makaagapay sa mga pagbabago sa daigdig”. This lofty
goal of elementary social studies is the guide for crafting various competencies and
content topics. For Grades 1 to 3, the study of civics and culture focuses on three
(3) major themes: (1) Pambansang Pagkakakilanlan (National Identity); (2)
Pambansang Pagkakaisa (National Unity); and (3) Pambansang Katapatan
(National Integrity). Social Studies competencies are anchored in these themes to
guide the teacher on the content to be taught.
 The purpose of the discussion is to explore a brief introduction on the
nature and foundations of Social Studies teaching. Our ultimate goal is to help
students to reflect on the purpose of teaching social studies and to shape their
approach to teaching the subject. The discussion will give students a better
understanding of Social Studies teaching and how students can learn it best.
Finally, the teaching and learning processes within social studies are uniquely
organized to develop these capacities, beginning with the youngest learners in our
schools.
Targets/ At the end of the presentation, the students will be able to:
Objectives 1. Discuss and elucidate the definition of Social Studies.
2. Identify the four essential characteristics of Social Studies.
3. Have further knowledge and understanding about on the Historical
Foundation of Social Studies.
4. Determine the various definitions of Social Studies given by the primary
educators in the subject.
5. Outline the social studies scope and explain its significance in the
curriculum.
6. Clarify and explain the meaning and importance of Social Studies as a
subject.
Content STIMULATE:
Outline
A. K-W-H-L-A-Q Chart
This activity will explore and determine the students’ cognitive skills through the K-
W-H-L-A-Q Chart.

TOPIC: FOUNDATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING AND LEARNING

B. KNOW WANT How Learned Action Questions

(What do (What do (How will you (What you (What (What
you you want find out?) have action further
know?) to know?) learned?) you will questions
take?) you have?)

Bubble Topical Organizer

Using the organizer below, the class will think of a word or phrase that relates to
the main idea. Through this Bubble Topical Organizer, the class will deepen their
knowledge regarding the topic and enhance their cognitive skills.

SOCIAL
STUDIES

ACQUIRE:

Acquisition of knowledge from the discussion will occur from the presenters
through the presentation materials so that the students will have an independent
and interactive learning.

TOPIC: FOUNDATION OF SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHING AND LEARNING

I. Social Studies Definition and Meaning

A. Social Studies Defined
1. NCSS,1994
B. Four Essential Characteristics
1. Nurtures the development of the whole person.
2. Involves relationships.
3. Is concerned with life experiences.
4. Enables the learner to critically examine and define their values
(personal, cultural & political).
 C. Historical Foundation of Social Studies
D. Definition of Social Studies
1. From the various primary educators of the subject
II. Importance/Relevance of Teaching Social Studies (Araling Panlipunan)
1. Awareness of the World and Environment
2. Helps to Develop Critical Thinking Abilities
3. Helps to Enhance the Social Understanding of the Students
4. Helps Students to Become Better Citizens

APPLY:

A. In this activity, the students will apply all the things they have learned by writing
an essay about the importance of teaching Social Studies (Araling Panlipunan).

As a future teacher, teaching Social Studies is important because…

Target 1. Explain the nature of Social Studies.

Activities 2. Describe the concepts in social studies courses.
3. Explain the four essential characteristics of Social Studies.
4. Demonstrate in-depth understanding on the foundation of Social Studies.
5. Identify the importance/relevance of Social Studies in education.
6. Discuss the two primary goals of Social Studies.
7. Discuss the significant role of teaching and learning Social Studies in the
students’ life.

Target 1. The definition of Social Studies by the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS;
Deliverables 1994).
2. Discussion on the Four Essential Characteristics of Social Studies.
3. Discussion on the Historical Foundation of Social Studies.
 4. Various definitions that are result of a thorough study by the main educators in
Social Studies subject to fully understand what is Social Studies.
5. Importance/Relevance of teaching the subject and the role it plays in a student’s
life (NCSS, 1994).
6. The purpose of inclusion of Social Studies as a subject in the curriculum.
7. Use of PowerPoint Presentation for interactive discussion.
8. Brainstorming activities for the topic to be discuss.

Assessment I. TRUE/FALSE
Directions: Read each statement below carefully. Place a T on the line if you think
the statement is TRUE. Place an F on the line if you think the statement is FALSE.
____1. Teaching is both an art and a science.
____2. Social studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities
to promote civic competence.
____3. There are Five Essential Characteristics of social studies.
____4. Social studies provide ample opportunities towards the nurturing of
different kind of virtues in the life of our young citizens such as self-
realization, better human relationship, self and national unity, social and
political advancement scientific and technological development.
____5. Teaching about inculcations of attitude in school helps the students to
develop their skills and their overall personality.
____6. Students’ values have changed in the way they think about refugees.
____7. Values help to have understanding of what is morally and ethically right and
wrong it defines a proper way to behave it society.
____8. Teaching social studies help students to become better citizens.
____9. Science inculcates higher order thinking abilities and skills like –
Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis, Creativity
in students.
____10. The primary purpose of social studies is to help young people develop the
ability to make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good as
citizens of a diverse, democratic society in an interdependent world.

II. Through the use of graphic organizer below, list the various definitions you
learned from the lesson. This activity will help students to organize and represent
knowledge of a subject.
 Social
Studies

References Dhandhania, B. T. (2016, November 28). The importance of Social Studies in the
School curriculum. The Progressive Teacher. Retrieved from
http://www.progressiveteacher.in/the-importance-of-social-studies-in-the-
school-curriculum/
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (1994). Definition of Social
Studies. Retrieved from https://www.socialstudies.org/standards/national-
curriculum-standards-social-studies-introduction
Republic of the Philippines. Department of Education, The 2002 Basic Education
Curriculum. Pasig City, Philippines: DepEd, 2002.
Republic of the Philippines. Department of Education, Implementation of the 2002
Basic Education Curriculum. Pasig City, Philippines: DepEd, Order No. 25,
2002.