Social Science Advisory Committee

Social Science Teacher Association Workshop

On Wednesday 20 November 2002 the Social Sciences Advisory Committee for the Royal Society of NZ held a very successful meeting of representatives from the five main social science subject associations. This included: Classical Studies (NZACT), Commerce (CETA), Geography (NZBoGT), History (NZHTA), and Social Studies.

The purpose of this meeting was essentially to have the subject associations meet together to hear presentations from key Ministry and NZQA staff on current developments; identify areas of mutual interest; and develop possible initiatives.

From this meeting several recommendations were put forward, these were:

Despite concerns with implementation (e.g. lack of exemplar material for teachers), there is general support for continuing with NCEA. Subject associations are encouraged to pursue Level 2 developments for 2003.

Resource production to support teachers is usually subject specific, therefore best left to the subject associations themselves to manage.

Social Science subject associations need to be aware that the recently completed post-compulsory Curriculum Review is likely to identify areas requiring greater emphasis in its final report that are relevant to social sciences. For example the need for greater emphasis on citizenship, development of multicultural and bicultural awareness, and fostering enterprise and innovation. Subject associations should seek the collective support of other social science associations in seeking to take up potential initiatives from this Ministry Review.

A potential professional need exists for a generic social sciences symposium (i.e. mini-conference) for existing or aspiring Heads of Departments (i.e. middle managers). Subject associations are to be requested to signal their support for this initiative.

Feasibility work and initial planning is currently being undertaken for holding of a social sciences symposium in 2004.

Initial thinking/details on this proposed Social Sciences Symposium includes:

It would be held in mid 2004 in Wellington.
It would be held over two days.
Aim to attract about 100-200 participants.
Have some keynote addresses from selected individuals.
Incorporate representatives from main subject associations on organising committee to ensure all needs are covered.
Include workshops/seminars focused on needs of middle managers (e.g. sessions on auditing department, appraisal methods, best practises for NCEA record keeping, how to teach perspectives, examples of inquiry teaching, suggestions on how to incorporate some of the latest academic theory, strategies on raising Maori achievement, incorporating literacy skills within subject area etc).
Seek funding from MOE, MORST, MSD, but also charge attendance fee to cover costs.