Teaching the Social Studies: Multiple Approaches for Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

This article reports a second phase of research on individuals making a career change into teaching. Our research over the past four years has shown us a variety of perspectives among such individuals, those of: Scholar Psychologist; Friendly Scholar; Inculcator; Facilitator of Thinking and Lifelong Learning; Friendly Pedagogue; Empowerer; and Nurturer, The authors present portraits of seven social studies teachers who each reflect one of these perspectives. Given the multiplicity of perspectives among these teachers, and given the stability of such perspectives over time (Bennett and Spalding, 1991), we contend that perhaps multiple approaches to teaching social studies are needed to fit the multiple perspectives teachers bring to the field.