Social studies mostly deals with topics related to the society and provides the learner with knowledge and skills required to make rational decisions in benefit of democratic citizenship. Considering this primary purpose of social studies, the article addresses the views of the teachers on teaching this subject outside a classroom. Social studies benefits the student in gaining skills such as problem solving, participation in social events and media literacy by the live practices conducted as a part of the outdoor education, with real people and natural settings.
I agree to the view of learning outside the classroom, as it is based on experience and reflects a broad approach towards environment and human relationships. Although this system of education is not time effective, it certainly covers a wide spectrum of social study subjects. The subjects like history, geography and psychology that fall in this spectrum, all require coordinated examples that can be demonstrated by involving the students to perform activities like working on environmental projects, map making, participating in archaeological excavations, and collecting people’s views on social issues. Furthermore, these activities can be evaluated for performance based on an individual’s notes, observations and attitude.
The article is based on an actual experimenting and the results signifying the importance of outdoor learning in social studies cannot be denied. It is essential that the subject must reflect reality and effectively teach civic participation and responsibility. Improved communication skill is also observed due to interaction of students with each other and their teachers.
