An Action Research of Using Newspapers in Social Studies in Higher Grades of Elementary School

• Main Authors: Ya-Ting Kang, 康雅婷
• Other Authors: Li-Kang Chiu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2016
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/64223202415831329511

碩士 === 國立臺北教育大學 === 社會與區域發展學系碩士班 === 104 === This study explored the implementation of a newspaper reading-integrated teaching method in social studies curricula in elementary schools. Through an investigation of the possible predicaments teachers could encounter and their responsive strategies, this study determined learning perceptions and attitudes among students toward the newspaper reading-integrated teaching method, analyzed the effect of this teaching method on learning results, and examined the subsequent reflections and professional growth of teachers. This study involved action research: a total of 25 sixth graders were recruited as participants in a 9-week social studies program using the newspaper reading-integrated teaching method. Data were collected through observation, textual analysis, and interviews. For data analysis, an attitude scale and semester achievement records in social studies were also employed to determine any differences in the students before and after the proposed teaching method was implemented. The results of this research were classified as follows: 1.Incorporating newspaper reading into social studies courses necessitates first analyzing textbook contents and student competencies to select adequate newspaper topics and formulate gradual learning goals and processes. 2.Incorporating newspaper reading into social studies courses entailed creating an open discussion environment. Students should be guided in multifaceted newspaper reading and analysis through the development of their reading comprehension, collaborative reading, class discussion, and reward strategies. Thus, the learning difficulties of the students can be solved, and newspapers can consequently be successfully employed in the teaching process. 3.After the incorporation of newspaper reading into the social studies course, most of the students demonstrated positive improvement in their learning interests, class participation, self-confidence, and social values. 4.Incorporating newspaper reading into the social studies course improved the learning outcomes of the students in the course; in particular, the learning outcomes of the low-performing students improved considerably. 5.Incorporating newspaper reading into social studies can assist the researcher reflect on teaching styles and cause them to pay better attention to students' learning, which then improves the teaching and professional growth of the researcher.