Program Overview
The B.Ed Secondary Social Sciences program prepares students to become effective teachers in History & Citizenship, Geography, or Ethics and Religious Culture. It combines coursework in education, social sciences, and field experiences to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and professional identity necessary for success in their teaching careers. The program also provides opportunities for students to develop their pedagogical skills and gain practical teaching experience through field experiences and a supervised practicum.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Program Overview:
The B.Ed Secondary Social Sciences program prepares students for careers as educators in History & Citizenship and Geography or Ethics and Religious Culture at the secondary school level. It fosters the ideals of mentorship and combines professional studies in pedagogy, curriculum, and educational foundations with hands-on student-teaching classroom experience. Students also take subject area courses in history, political science, economics, geography, environment, religion, and philosophy. The program equips graduates with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills necessary for success in their teaching careers.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Prepare students to become effective secondary school teachers in Social Sciences (History & Citizenship and Geography or Ethics and Religious Culture)
- Provide students with a solid foundation in the subject matter they will be teaching
- Develop students' pedagogical skills and knowledge of curriculum development and educational foundations
- Foster students' professional identity as educators
Outline:
The program consists of a combination of coursework, field experiences, and a practicum.
Coursework:
Students complete coursework in the following areas:
- Education (e.g., Foundations of Education, Curriculum Development, Instructional Design)
- Social Sciences (e.g., History, Geography, Economics, Political Science, Religion, Philosophy)
Field Experiences:
Students participate in field experiences in secondary school settings to gain practical teaching experience.
Practicum:
Students complete a supervised practicum in a secondary school where they teach Social Sciences courses under the guidance of an experienced teacher and university supervisor.
Assessment:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Exams (e.g., midterms, finals)
- Quizzes
- Assignments (e.g., essays, presentations, lesson plans)
- Field experience and practicum evaluations
Teaching:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education and the Faculty of Education. Faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, simulations, and hands-on activities. The program also provides students with access to a range of resources and support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as:
- Social Sciences Teachers (Secondary School)
- Educational Technology Developers
- Community Program Officers
- Curriculum Specialists
