Chapter 9: The Engle/Ochoa Decision-Making Model

The focus of this chapter is Shirley Engle and Anna Ochoa-Becker’s “decision-making model.” Among social studies educators, this model, at whose center is engaging students in wrestling with socio-civic problems and reflecting on the most effective and just solutions/actions within a framework of democratic ideals, is considered one of the most exemplary models available for engaging students in a study of key social issues.

The philosophy and writings of Engle and Ochoa were influenced heavily by the progressive education movement. Certainly one of the scholars who informed their work was Harold Rugg. It was Rugg, who in his contribution to the 22nd yearbook of the National Society for the Study of Education in 1923, argued that the social studies must embrace the responsibility to nurture student growth through the application of “the problems approach.” In doing so, he raised a host of critical issues: What can be done to create an atmosphere of deliberation? How can we be sure that people from all walks of life can participate, at least to some extent, in making critical judgments? And what should the role of the social studies be in this matter?