THE Middle School Social Studies Classroom: An Exploratory Study

AbstractThis study examined middle school student views of social studies along with the types of classroom environments found in social studies classes. In addition, classes taught by teachers with differing professional preparation were compared. Among this sample only 40% of the teachers teaching middle school social studies were found to have that area as their area of professional preparation. Students in these teachers' classes were more likely to identify social studies as their favorite class. Analysis of the environmental data using inferential techniques did not find statistically significant differences among the class environments based on teacher preparation. However, as an exploratory study, effect sizes were calculated and showed possible areas of difference not detected by the inferential tests. The implications are discussed, with areas for future research identified.