The Importance of Modern Social Studies

Why the Often-Overlooked Subjects of Social Studies are Crucial to the Future Success of Students

---

Social studies, comprising history, economics, and government, are an important part of the educational curriculum.

History

Understanding history requires not only reading and writing ability, but also critical thinking. While history curriculums have received the reputation of memorizing lists of dates and events, today's history classes are far more dynamic and interesting.

History teachers in Miami are beginning to teach students how to "read like a historian" and to assemble their own thoughts based on primary documents. This makes students better able to handle diverse types of information presented in the classroom.

They will learn to build their own interpretations of history based on facts, rather than learning only the established version of events as it is read in a textbook. Older students can come to understand that the way history is taught reflects the viewpoint of the historian. Primary documents are especially useful in making history fresher and more vibrant.

History can take a multimedia approach, with films, music, and plays studied as part of the curriculum. Site visits like field trips to state capitals and other significant sites can also help students to understand history and government.

Government

Government studies are crucial to producing voters who will be civically engaged in their communities. Starting at a young age, students are able to learn about the structure of government and understand its place in today's society. Social studies teachers are often a student's first exposure to lessons about the government, and they have learned exciting new ways to teach about them.

Every prospective voter in Miami should understand the system of government. This is especially true in multicultural communities where there are many immigrants and those newly arrived in the country.

Younger students may be interested in learning about the Presidents, while older students may study the Constitution. Understanding the system of government enables young students to build aspirations and to see their place in society. They will also have a better knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under the law.

Economics

Economics is another crucial facet of social studies education. Students learn to appreciate how the economy works, studying microeconomics and macroeconomics. Microeconomics involves the activities of individuals and businesses, where macroeconomics is concerned with market wide movements.

Students may study microeconomics by looking at their own spending choices. For example, they may look at their weekly spending and saving habits and talk about their decisions to purchase certain items. They may study macroeconomics by learning about the stock market, understanding the movement of large economic engines.

When Miami students fully understand the economy, they have a better chance of participating in a meaningful way. They will also know how to be educated consumers. Economics lessons can be based on real-world examples, making them meaningful and up-to-date. They can also be based on historical examples, enabling students to see how economic forces shaped history.