Social Studies for Secondary Schools: Teaching to Learn, Learning to Teach

Now in its fifth edition, this popular text for secondary social studies methods courses integrates discussions of educational goals and the nature of history and social studies with ideas for organizing social studies curricula, units, lessons, projects, and activities. Advocating an inquiry and activity-based view of social studies teaching that respects the points of view of students and teachers, it offers systematic support and open, honest advice for new teachers.

Based in practice and experience, lesson ideas and materials in the book and online are designed to help new teachers address Common Core learning standards, to work in inclusive settings, and to promote literacy and the use of technology in social studies classrooms. Chapters include highlighted Learning Activities, Teaching Activities, and Classroom Activities designed to provoke discussion and illustrate different approaches to teaching social studies and conclude with recommendations for further reading. Features of the fifth edition include:

Activities called "Think it over," "Add your voice to the discussion," "Try it yourself," and "It’s your classroom” at the end of each chapterNew topics such as the 1619 Project controversy, Stop WOKE campaigns, academic freedom, and legal restraints on 7–12 teachersNew content on teaching literacy, including writing, reading, media, computer, and oral literaciesApproaches to teaching advanced placement, international baccalaureate, and dual enrollment classesMulti-disciplinary and project-based teaching that combines history and social studies with the social sciences and other academic disciplinesLinks to the NCSS 3-C frameworkInformation on becoming a professional leader through involvement in organizations like the NCSS and teacher unions

Designed for undergraduate and graduate pre-service social studies methods courses, this text is also useful for in-service training programs, as a reference for new social studies teachers, and as a resource for experienced social studies educators who are engaged in rethinking their teaching practice.

This text is supported by online materials, including discussion questions, lesson ideas, and links to lesson materials and activity sheets. You can find the resources here: