Chapter 34: Discussing Standards: A Dialogic Analysis of the NYS Social Studies Framework

Teacher candidates analyze the New York State K–8 Social Studies Framework (New York State Education Department, 2015), reflect upon their experiences of learning and teaching social studies, and participate in mediated online discussions to process, examine, question, extend, and critique the NYS Framework.

The NYS Framework Analysis assignment enables teacher candidates to understand and critique current social studies standards in a blended-learning environment. Online education promotes high levels of cognitive engagement, adapts to learners’ individual needs, balances student autonomy with teacher guidance, and promotes generative and measurable dialogue among participants (Smith & Brame, n.d.). In this context, the assignment supports four main learning objectives. First, students understand the NYS social studies standards and practices. Second, they critically analyze the NYS Framework’s themes and practices relative to Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS). Third, they reflect upon their experiences with social studies education in relation to the NYS Framework standards. Finally, throughout the assignment, candidates engage in an instructor- mediated online dialogue with their peers regarding the assignment’s analytical and reflective processes.