Using WebQuests in the Social Studies Classroom: A Culturally Responsive Approach / Edition 1

by Margaret M. Thombs, Maureen M. Gillis, Alan S. Canestrari

Overview

This unique guide offers practical strategies for using Web Quests to optimize learning in social studies, foster student inquiry and higher-level thinking, and promote greater intercultural understanding.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412959513
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	06/12/2008
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Margaret Thombs is an associate professor of education specializing in instructional technology at Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She has taught secondary mathematics and computer science and was formerly the director of technology for the Middletown, Rhode Island Public Schools. Her areas of expertise include facilitating English as a Second Language skills using technology and technology-enabled family and local history research. She is a frequent presenter at national and regional technology and education conferences, and has authored a number of articles on technology integration in the classroom. She earned her Ph D in computing technology in education from Nova Southeastern University.

Maureen Gillis is the owner of an Internet-based business and the coordinating editor for Spalding University’s manuscript review program for MFA alumni in Louisville, Kentucky. Prior to becoming a writer and Internet entrepreneur, she was a CPA and business executive and taught in the MBA program at the University of Hartford. She serves as the writing coach for the management team of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Gillis earned her MFA in writing from Spalding University and has taught in that program.

Alan Canestrari
Alan S. Canestrari, Ed.D, Boston University, a veteran social studies practitioner and Professor of Education at Roger Williams University, is co-editor (with Bruce Marlowe) of Educational Foundations: An Anthology of Critical Readings (Sage) and Educational Psychology in Context: Readings for Future Teachers (Sage). Educational Foundations was awarded the 2005 American Educational Studies Association Critics Choice Award. Canestrari had a long career in public schools and universities as a history teacher, department chair, adjunct professor at Rhode Island College, and mentor in the Brown University Masters of Teaching Program. He was the RI Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 1992.

Table of Contents

Preface
Why This Book?
Real Voices... Typical Classroom Challenges
Practical, Usable Curriculum Content
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. The Challenge of Culturally Responsive Teaching
Meet Harrison Songolo
The Need for a Culturally Responsive Context
The Larger Narrative
Powerful Social Studies... Powerful Citizens
Imaginative Entry
The Quest for Connections
2. The Technologically Competent Social Studies Teacher
The NETS Project
Essential Conditions for Successful Technology Integration
Technology Resources
Special Considerations for Classroom Technology
Web Site Accessibility
Assistive Technology
Legal Implications
Online Technology Resources
3. The Web Quest Model
Background and History
Why Use the Web Quest Model?
Example Web Quest No. 1: Exploring Socio-Economic Conditions
One Zambia, One Nation?
4. Designing Web Quests
Core Components of a Web Quest
Introduction
Task
Process
Evaluation
Other Components of the Model
Design Process
Selecting a Primary Design Tool
Quest Garden
Assessing Web Quests
Online Resources
5. Getting Started: Learners, Topics, and Design Patterns
Getting Started
Anita’s Classroom
Meet Happy-Hardy Guinguing
Brainstorming Web Quest Ideas
General Social Studies
Online Resources: Social Studies Topics
Culturally Responsive Topics
Online Resources: Cultural Sensitivity
Anita’s Challenge: Teaching World Religions
Design Patterns
Example Web Quest No. 2: World Religions and Conflicts
Religious Conflict: Is an End in Sight?
6. Authentic and Engaging Tasks
Meet Juan Pablo Escoriza
Posing Authentic Problems to Challenge Thinking Skills
Brainstorming Web Quest Tasks
Exercises: Tasks From Example Web Quests in Previous Chapters
Chart of Possible Tasks
Online Resources
Example Web Quest No. 3: Immigration: Past, Present, and Future
Lights, Camera, Action! An Immigration Perspective
7. Evaluation Rubrics
Meet Vladimir Emilov Evtimov
Using Rubrics
Online Tools
How Many Rubrics?
Rubric Dimensions and Scale
Exercises: Evaluation Rubrics From Example Web Quests
Online Resources
Example Web Quest No. 4: Effective Use of Maps and Geographic Tools
Calling All Cartographers!
8. The Web Quest Process: How, What, and When
Meet Haseena Niazi
Teams and Roles
Exercises: Teams and Roles From Example Web Quests
Choosing Appropriate Resources
Internet Resources
Search Engines
Selecting Web Sites
Social Studies Links
Accessibility Issues
Copyright, Fair Use, and Citation of Sources
Other Resources
Exercises: Resources From Example Web Quests
Online Resources
Example Web Quest No. 5: Voting Rights and Responsibilities
Let Our Voices Be Heard!
9. Finalizing Your Web Quest Design
Meet Poroma Kanya
Web Quest Introductions
Web Quest Conclusions
Using Images and Other Tools
Teacher Page and Credits
Assessing Your Web Quest
Tom March’s Seven Points for a Great Web Quest
10. The Challenge Ahead: A Quest for Peace
Humanistic Education
Choices for the 21st-Century Education Program
A Workable Peace
Freedom Writers
A Final Quest
Keeping the Quest Alive
Other Resources
A. Ten Thematic Strands in Social Studies
B. National Education Technology Standards for Students
C. Sites for Selecting Specialized Resources
D. Standards Associated With Example Web Quests
References
Suggested Readings: Cultural Responsiveness in the Classroom
Index

Editorial Reviews

"Founded on a well-established educational rationale, this book takes the critical and challenging step of helping teachers integrate culturally responsive education into their own practice. By using real student stories, the authors spin an engaging narrative that informs and entertains. "

Tom March

"Shows teachers how to create quality Web Quests using constructivist principles while also encouraging teacher reflection. The book has inspired me in my efforts to make my teaching responsive to students’ needs and the real-world requirements of our education system. "

Greg Oppel

"Offers endless resources for the novice or experienced teacher. In a culturally diverse classroom, Web Quests provide students with an opportunity to showcase their cultures and take pride in their learning. While the text is geared to the social studies teacher, the steps of the Web Quest are explained so that any teacher in any discipline may develop and utilize this resource in their curriculum. "

Luis M. Oliveira