The Auburn University Social Science Education Program uses a persistent public issues model for conceptualizing social studies teaching and learning. Content and unit design are centered around central, recurrent societal questions and dilemmas.
Units are active, relevant, and problem-centered.
A variety of materials and methods are used to engage students in in-depth, thoughtful encounters with content. All unit activities hinge on a central focusing question. The first day begins with an introductory grabber that introduces the problem and arouses student curiosity. The unit ends with a closure activity or activities that require students to demonstrate their efforts to resolve the central question. Samples of problem-centered units are modeled, practiced, and assessed in university course work prior to unit design by novices.