AIMS & OBJECTIVES OF LEARNING SOCIAL SCIENCE

The meaning, aims and significance of learning Social Studies

Introduction

Every individual is a part of the community and it is not merely a history or geography or civics or an economics that matters, but rather the man himself who influences and is influenced by his history, his geography, his civics or economics and his community. The subject of Social Studies which deals directly with man and the society in which he lives, carries special responsibility of preparing young children to become well informed, constructive participants in society and capable of developing healthy social relationships.

The dawn of independence in the year 1947, opened a new chapter in our history. By adopting a new constitution declaring us a sovereign, secular, socialist and democratic republic, we have entered a new era. We have decided to rebuild our society on a pattern that guarantees social justice to all members and groups. Likewise, we have also ventured to reconstruct our national economy on a sound foundation. In the international field, we have decided to develop friendship with all and to promote world peace.

Defining Social Studies

In its publication Social Studies for Schools the Social Studies Committee of Schools Board, Victoria (USA) has given the true concept of this subject in these words. “What we study in Social Studies, is the life of a man in some particular place, at some particular time. We, therefore, use every possible ‘subject’ to help us understand his problem and how he dealt or deals with them. The main aim is to give a better understanding of present problems. We try to give our future citizens some understanding of the development of mankind. We attempt to trace with the children the fascinating story of how man has developed through the ages, of how man has studies to use and control his environment and how his life has been influenced by this, how our institutions have grown out of the past and should therefore, be respected and how they have undergone many changes to meet changing needs and must undergo many more from time to time. Man’s struggle with his environment yesterday and today, man’s use or misuse of his powers and resources, his development, the essential unity of civilization, these are the main themes of Social Studies. We are trying to break the habit of putting knowledge into water-tight compartments, labeled history, Geography, Civics, Economics etc. We are also trying to train children in the habits of thinking clearly, to be able to use all the knowledge at their command to solve problems and to be able to find the necessary information”.

In the words of J. M. Forrester, “Social Studies, as the very name suggests, is the study of society and its chief aim is to help pupils to understand the world in which they have to live and how it came to be, so that they may become responsible citizens. It aims at promoting critical thinking and a readiness for social change, at creating a disposition for acting on behalf of the general welfare, at an appreciation of other cultures and a realization of the interdependence of man and man of nation and nation”.

Mr. M. P. Muffatt is of opinion that a person may be learned in Chemistry or Mathematics, he may be a skilled technician, but if he is shortsighted in his attitude to his fellow-men, he is unsocial and perhaps ill-adjusted in many other ways. The art of living is a fine art to which Social Studies contributes understanding.

Contents of Social Studies

Ø  A study of relationships, i.e., relationships between man and man, relationships between man and institutions, relationships between man and earth and relationships between man and goods.

Ø  A functional study of natural science and arts e.g., study of that part of chemistry which has helped a lot in the eradication of various diseases.

Ø  A study of current affairs which make us think about the social structure of the community or society and the effects of social forces in their making.

Ø  A study of international affairs for promoting brotherhood of mankind.

Ø  A study of the actual working of social institutions like the Village Panchayat, State Legislature and Parliaments etc.

Importance of Social Studies in School

1.        It helps the child to acquaint with his past and present cultural, economic and social environment.

2.       It helps the child to appreciate his rich cultural heritage.

3.       It helps the child to get rid of what is undesirable and antiquated especially in the context of social change.

4.      It helps the child to acquire right attitudes, knowledge, understanding and competence needed for adjustment with the environment.

5.       It helps the child to gain insight into spiritual, economic and political values.

6.      It helps the child to use his leisure properly.

7.       It helps the child to solve social and individual problems.

8.      It helps the child to develop democratic citizenship.

9.      It helps the child to increase social competence.

10.   It helps the child to foster national outlook.

11.     It helps the child to foster international understanding.

In a nutshell each letter of Social Studies stands for

S – Social relationship, Social efficiency

O – Objective attitude

C – Citizenship training, Constructive and critical thinking

I – Integrated knowledge, Intelligent understanding

A – Adaptability, Appreciation of other’s viewpoint

L – Learning

S – Sensitiveness to social issues

T – Tolerance

U – Unbiased attitude

D – Devotion to ideas

I – Inter-relationships

E – Emotional Balance

S – Self-discipline, Social attitude

By M. Vincent

H.O.D of Social Science  (PON VIDYA MANDIR 2014-15)