Course Overview

• Course Title: Foundations of Social Studies and Technical, Vocational Education and Training (SSGHTVET)

• Course Code: EBC 115

• Level: 100

• Semester: 1

• Credits: 3

Rationale for Integration of SSGHTVET

• Focus on enhancing Initial Teacher Education (ITE) curricula using National Teacher Education Curriculum Framework (NTECF).

• Curriculum designed to meet National Teachers’ Standards (NTS).

• Develops student teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge and skills to global standards.

• Encourages appreciation of interconnectedness between Social Studies, Geography, History, and TVET.

Objectives of the SSGHTVET Course

• Student teachers acquire skills for quality education delivery.

• Integrates social constructivism and social realism.

• Enables competencies in personal development, environmental responsibility, and cultural appreciation.

• Leverages new technologies for moral and value enhancement.

Importance of the Integrated Curriculum

• Interrelatedness of subjects fosters a holistic understanding of socio-economic and environmental issues.

• Student teachers must pass this core curriculum to progress through their teacher training program.

Learning Approaches and Teaching Methods

• Utilize Gestalt learning theory emphasizing holistic perceptions in students.

• Foster interdisciplinary knowledge for teaching “Our World, Our People” subjects in early grades.

• Integration is key to addressing socio-cultural challenges while teaching historical contexts relevant to current skills.

Role of Tutors in SSGHTVET

• Tutors may not specifically train SSGHTVET, but through team teaching, they can effectively collaborate.

• Emphasis on subject interrelatedness is crucial for effective teaching strategies at basic school levels.

Concepts on Social Studies

Lesson 1: Understanding Self and Family Systems

• Self-Concept:

  • Physical Self

  • Emotional Self

  • Psychological Self

  • Social Self

• Self-Identity: Understanding one's perception in society including ideal self, other self, and real other.

Family Dynamics

• Definition: Family as a collective unit, both nuclear and extended.

• Types of Families:

  • Nuclear Families: Intact, blended, or dyadic.

  • Extended Families: Include grandparents, polygamous structures, etc.

Lesson Interconnections

• Links between individual, family, school, and community are critical.

Core Competencies and Values

Core Values

• Fundamental beliefs that dictate behavior (e.g., honesty).

Core Competencies

• Unique characteristics defining an individual (e.g., critical thinking).

Decision Making

• Process influenced by values, preferences, and capabilities.

Similarities and Differences

1. Similarities:

   • Inherent traits, learned through socialization, promote community development.

2. Differences:

   • Values are intangible; competencies are tangible.

   • Values are beliefs; competencies are capabilities.

Importance in Teaching

• Promoting a balanced understanding of values and competencies enhances decision-making, personal growth, and social responsibility.

Social Studies as Citizenship Education

• Equip learners with necessary skills, knowledge, and positive attitudes for problem-solving (Ovarty, 1984).

Unique Features

• Integrated approach, focuses on problem-solving and human-environment relationships.

Importance

• Develops tolerance, patriotism, leadership qualities, and community understanding.

Implications for Teaching

• Requires comprehensive knowledge for effective teaching; integrates SSGHTVET.

Visual Arts Concepts

Definition

• Study and creation of symbolic and/or realistic expressions using visual imagery for communication.

Branches of Visual Arts

• Picture Making, Ceramics, Sculpture, Textiles, Jewelry, Graphic Design.

Uniqueness

• Relies on creative, scientific, mathematical principles; involves problem-solving and aesthetic appreciation.

Importance

• Employment, environmental beautification, creativity enhancement, and cultural preservation.

Interrelation with Social Studies

• Visual arts contribute to societal identity and norms; both fields collaborate to address social issues.

Teaching Implications

• Skills acquired in visual arts facilitate instruction in integrated subjects.

Concepts on Agriculture

Definition

• Derived from Latin, agriculture involves cultivation of crops and rearing farm animals.

Distinction from Farming

• Farming: Focus on on-farm activities; Agriculture: Encompasses both on-farm and off-farm activities.

Categories and Branches

• Categories:

  • Production agriculture.

  • Agricultural profession.

• Branches: Animal science, crop science, soil science, etc.

Importance of Agriculture

• Contributes to food supply, job creation, and cultural preservation.

Interrelatedness with Social Studies

• Agricultural practices shape societal culture and influence economic structures.

Concepts on Home Economics

Definition

• Study of the relationships within families, communities, and the living environment.

Domains of Home Economics

• Covers Nutrition, Clothing, Entrepreneurship, Family Life Education, and more.

Importance

• Enhances life skills, promotes effective home management, and supports economic sustainability.

Interrelationship with Social Studies

• Both discuss individual and family dynamics in societal contexts.

Concepts on Technical Skills

Definition & Importance

• Application of scientific principles for specific tasks essential for workforce readiness.

Aspects of Technical Skills

• Graphic Communication, Woodwork, Metalwork, Electronics, Automotive Technology.

Importance of Technical Education

• Reduces poverty, increases productivity, creates employable skills.

Implications for Integrated Teaching

• Necessitates collaboration and identifies areas needing improvement in the curriculum.

Writing Team

• Team: Cletus Angaaso, Benjamin Semenya Lifesons, Eric Cato Atute, and others.

Bibliography

• Provides references for further reading and research in the field of social studies and TVET.