Need and signifiicance of teaching social science in the present context.

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Need and signifiicance of teaching social science in the present context.

Social Science is a branch of study which deals with Human Beings – their behaviour, growth and development, relationships, resources they use and the various institutions they require to function and carry on their life smoothly. For example – family, school, workplace, government, judiciary, recreation clubs, etc. All these aspects of life are inter-related and interdependent on one another.

The inclusion of Social Studies in the curriculum right from primary to secondary classes signifies the importance of the subject and the role it plays in a student’s life. Social Studies is incorporated in the school curriculum through a combination of subjects like – History, Geography, Cultural Studies, Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.

These subjects help children to develop-

Awareness of The World and Environment: Lessons in Social Studies related to topics like – My Family, My Neighbourhood, Community Helpers, Early Man, Indus Valley Civilization, Modern Period in Indian History, The French Revolution, Great World Leaders, etc teach students about the various civilizations, movements and renaissances that occurred over the years. This knowledge enables the students to understand how the world and different societies have evolved, the important events that have occurred in the past, enduring ideas and eminent personalities that have created an impact and affected the lives of people both locally and globally. It also helps students to understand how different societies are structured, managed and governed. This in turn helps students to understand their place in the world.

Lessons such as – Our Earth, Solar System, Major Landforms, Water Resources, Natural Vegetation and Wildlife Resources, Pollution, enable students to learn about – outer space, formation of different landforms; evolution of animals, flora, fauna and man, water bodies, available resources, importance of conservation and preservation, environmental impact on present life and future generations. This information helps students to eventually develop a holistic understanding of their environment and the interrelationship which exists between the natural and human habitats.

Helps to Develop Critical Thinking Abilities: Social Studies inculcate higher order thinking abilities and skills like – Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis, Creativity in students. Learning a variety of topics such as – Natural Resources, Water Resources, Transport, Communication, Caste System, Political Ideologies, Social Reformers, Our Cultures, United Nations, etc give students a chance to gain appropriate information and data in various contexts. The information gained allows students to make relevant observations, identify similarities and differences, make connections between related concepts, ideas and resources. Students first have to gain information and comprehend ideas such as discrimination, resource allocation and political priorities. They then need to understand, analyze and evaluate the existing connections between those ideas and theories to make sense of how poverty affects certain populations in the country. This knowledge can be further put to use to foster creativity, if students are asked to think about ways or come up with new solutions and policies which they think can help reduce poverty. They could be given a chance to present their ideas in the form of debates, essays, role plays or class projects.

Helps to Enhance the Social Understanding Of Students: Different topics included in the Social Studies curriculum for various age groups like – Festivals of India, Different types of Families, Clothes We Wear, Food We Eat, Our Country, States of India, My Community, Socio-Religious Reforms, Challenging the Caste System – help students to observe, learn and understand human behaviour, values and attitudes and the interrelationships which exist among different people. They also learn about the societal strata and norms of society and the need of various governing bodies and other institutions. This in turn helps the students to develop a wider perspective of society and the human condition.

Helps Students To Become Better Citizens: Subjects in Social Studies like Economics, Political Science and History educate students on Political Ideologies, Constitutional Laws, Citizenship, Rights and Duties, Morals and Virtues, Social Code of Conduct, thus making children aware of their roles and responsibilities particularly in relation to social and civic affairs. By providing relevant information and knowledge, skills and attitudes, the study of Social Science prepares students to grow up as active, responsible, and reflective members of society. It also teaches them to address societal and global concerns using literature, technology and other identifiable community resources.