SST Position Paper
Different Subjects
History
Geography
Economics
Political Science
Sociology
Change nomenclature from Civics to Political Science
Objectives of Teaching SST at Primary Stage
Why should I learn SST?
To understand the society, how it is structured, managed and governed
Learn about the forces seeking to transform and redirect society in various ways
To appreciate Indian Constitution Values- Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Unit & Integrity of the nation, Building of a Socialist, Secular and Democratic Society
To grow up as active, responsible and reflective members of the society
to learn to respect differences of opinion, lifestyle and cultural practices
to questions and examine received ideas, institutions and practices
to acquire pleasure in reading and, by providing enjoyable reading material
to undertake activities that will develop social and life skills
To develop skills of observation, identification and classification
To develop holistic understanding of environment- interrelationship of natural and social environment
To sensitize the child to social and develop in him/her a respect for difference and diversity
Objectives of Teaching SST at Upper Primary Stage
To develop an understanding about the Earth as the habitat of humankind and other forms of life
To initiate the learner into a study of her/his own region, state and country in the global context
To initiate the leaner into a study of India's past, with references to contemporary developments in other parts of the world
To introduce the learner to the functioning and dynamics of social and political institutions and process of the country
Objectives of Teaching SST at Secondary Stage
Develop Analytical and Conceptual Skills to enable him/her to
understand the processes of economic and social change and development with examples from modern and contemporary India and other parts of the world
critically examine social and economic issues and challenges like poverty, child labour, destitution, illiteracy, inequality, etc
understand rights and responsibilities of citizens in democratic and secular society
understand the roles and responsibilities of the state in the fulfillment of the constitutional obligations
understand the processes of development and change in India in relation to the world economy and policy
appreciate the rights of local communities in relation to their environment, the judicious utilization of the resources and the need for the conservation of the natural environment
Objectives of Teaching SST at Higher Secondary Stage
to assist students to explore their interests and aptitudes in order to choose appropriate university courses and/or careers
to encourage them to explore higher levels of knowledge in different disciplines
to introduce students to different ways of collecting and processing data and information in specific disciplines, and help them arrive at conclusions, and to generate new insights and knowledge in the process
to promote problem solving and creative thinking
Approaches to Teaching
Process of learning should promote the spirit of inquiry and creativity among both children and teachers
learners acquire knowledge and skills in an interactive environment
Participatory learning- shift from imparting information to debates and discussions
Open ended- away from biases and prejudices
Concepts should be clarified through the lived experiences of individuals and communities
Provision of supplementary materials in the classroom