More than Just Chit-Chat: Teaching Social Studies with Podcasts

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, March/April 2024 Issue

By David Allyn

Social studies teachers often feel pulled in numerous directions at once. We want to cover national history and world history. The past and the present. Essay writing and public speaking. But there is a limited amount of time in the school year, and it often feels like we can’t give our students everything they need.

Meanwhile, in the United States, students’ knowledge of both history and civics is at an all-time low. Scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed a steep decline in 8th-graders’ knowledge and comprehension of history and civics. Only 13 percent of students rated as “proficient” in history, while just 22 percent reached proficiency in civics, the lowest percentages in decades.

In my classes at Avenues, a private, non-sectarian school in New York City, I use a team-structured, project-based approach to teach history and civics. It’s an approach that covers nearly all the bases: it requires students to research the past, examine current events, tackle controversial topics, engage in formal writing, and develop their public speaking skills. Best of all, they get to engage in research that is deeply meaningful and relevant to them, which inspires students to pour themselves into their work.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .
Avatar photo

David Allyn, PhD, teaches at Avenues: The World School in New York City. He holds a PhD in History from Harvard University and has taught at Princeton University and Marymount Manhattan College.

Education News

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

For 8th Straight Year, 100% of Success Academy Grads Accepted to 4-Year Colleges

66% of students were accepted to selective institutions. Graduates were awarded more than $20 million in financial aid.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

David Allyn
David Allyn
David Allyn, PhD, teaches at Avenues: The World School in New York City. He holds a PhD in History from Harvard University and has taught at Princeton University and Marymount Manhattan College.

Advertisement

Read More

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Exploring Indigenous Culture Through the Senses: A Transformative Learning Experience

At McKenzie Towne School in Alberta, students are learning through touch, scent, and sound with the Indigenous Sensory Box Project.

The Positive Impacts of Computer Science: What Every Teacher and Administrator Should Know

After working as both a teacher and an administrator, I know how much of a difference it can make when school leaders truly appreciate the power of computer science.
betvisa casino | slot mobile phones | lq mod skin | vung tau casino | ica phien ban moi nhat | 6696 | casino machine games | casino ở hà nội | đánh bài casino | tỷ lệ kèo bkth | foxin wins again slot | xem bói bài tây | corona casino phu quoc | casino blu ray | tsumugi | captain jack slots | xem bói bài tây | lịch thi đấu play off lck | win win casino | 007 casino | wonky wabbits slot | maplestory pocket slot | giải đặc biệt năm | casino games echtgeld | lmss | soi kèo đan mạch cộng hòa séc | free casino slot games | jackpot party casino | land slot | jun88 jun88.casino | tijuana vs | top credit card casinos | con số may mắn hôm nay lịch ngày tốt | mơ thấy người mình thích nhiều lần | bói bài tây 52 la | kubet -- ku casino | stainless steel slotted spoon | taitrochoimienphi | lịch world cup 2024 | types of casino games | đá gà casino trực tiếp | casino pour le fun | kí tự tên liên quân | minecraft 1 18 tiếng việt |