Social Studies – Module 1

Topic 1: Teaching of Social Studies

Pre-service teachers acquire democratic citizenship skills such as problem solving, social participation, and critical thinking through the Social studies courses.

Topic 2: Teaching of early civilisations

Civilisation started when people began living a settled life under some form of government, practising agriculture and trading in various items. This way of life started during the ancient times in some parts of the world which have been described as centres of early civilisations. The centres of early civilisations have contributed a lot to the modern world. It is therefore, important that children learn about early civilisations because they need to know the origins of some ideas they are using today.

Topic 3: Teaching of the earth

The earth is our home in the universe. We should, therefore, understand the characteristics of the earth such as the shape, tilting, movement and their effects. The shape, tilting and movement of the earth affect some of our daily activities. For instance, the seasons that we experience are largely influenced by the movement and tilting of the earth.

Topic 4: The teaching of natural resources

Topic 5: Teaching of Environmental degradation

People have been using the environment in search of their needs and wants for their everyday livelihood. As they are using the environment, it is being degraded in one way or the other. When the environment is degraded, the products are low. As teachers you need to understand how the environment is degraded and its consequences. This will assist you teach the topic with ease and the learners will understand how the environment is degraded and appreciate the importance of using it sustainably. This topic discusses the consequences and solutions of environmental degradation. It also discusses teaching learning and assessment methodologies for teaching the topic.

Topic 6: Teaching of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi

Institutions such as families, political parties, schools, clubs and religious organisations use rules. The rules are either written or unwritten and members must abide by them. These rules assist in governing the groups of people. This is a constitution. The government derives its powers to govern the people from the constitution. This topic discusses the importance, features and fundamental principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi. It also discusses strategies for teaching and assessing learners on the topic Constitution of the Republic of Malawi.

Topic 7: Teaching of human rights

An important element of democracy is human rights. Human rights are enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi which was adopted in 1994. Human rights, however, are a fairly new concept in Malawi.

End of Module Exam