The article presents the results of a 2022 study involving students training to be civic studies teachers. Three research goals were set: to determine which gender and family stereotypes burden the interpretation of a photograph; to identify qualitative differences in the perception, analysis, and interpretation of the photograph depending on the…

Using data from a qualitative case study examining how lynching is taught in schools near historic lynching sites, this article examines how lynching photographs were used or not used in the teaching of lynching. Using a pedagogy of witnessing as the analytic tool this article argues that lynching photographs were used in one of three ways:…

This article draws on data collected from a secondary school in Florida to explore how temporally disjointed aesthetics (e.g. (re)photographs) impact constructions of historical knowledge. Using posthuman concepts (e.g. assemblage, rhizome, spacetimematter(ing), hauntology), this study relied on visual methodologies-specifically…

This article describes a project-based social studies activity that gave young children the autonomy to photograph what they wanted within the classroom environment while interacting with peers. Social studies learning in the early years has great potential to offer active, playful, and meaningful experiences for children and can prepare young…

Reading is useful for gaining understanding, knowledge, and information. This study aimed to determine the effect of using photo comics media on reading interest and learning outcomes in elementary social studies subjects. This research is a quasi-experimental study with a Non-equivalent Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design. The subject of this…

While visual literacy pedagogy in teacher preparation programs has been a recognized body of knowledge the past few decades, limited research centers upon secondary teachers who are responsible for integrating visual literacy into content instruction. This study explored how 32 secondary English language arts and social studies pre-service…

When digital assistants are used to process search queries, generate driving directions, or answer voice commands, advanced technologies gather available data and use this information to perform tasks that require decision making and problem solving. These examples of machine learning have become commonplace in our everyday lives. Machine learning…

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the Nineteenth Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The fight was a protracted one, lasting over 70 years, and it did not result in equity for diverse women. Voting and citizenship came to women of color differently depending on region, class, race, and ethnicity. For example,…

This qualitative instrumental multiple case study explores the beliefs of high school students', parents' and social studies teachers' to better understand their perspectives surrounding the integration of controversial and sensitive photographic images into the high school social studies curriculum. Previous studies have highlighted the benefit…

It is difficult to overstate the power of visual images, particularly historical primary source photos, to provide a window into the past. Here, the authors outline how educators can utilize historic photos to provide students with a deeper understanding of the past. When students do not see their heritage and culture represented in images, the…

One of the most effective methods for teaching social studies events, concepts, and issues incorporates the fine arts into lesson plans. The fine arts, such as photography, architecture, paintings, tapestries, and sculptures reflect the core cultural values, political ideals, and religious beliefs of a civilization and offer excellent…

On a daily basis I am bombarded with images in every walk of life. I encounter images crossing my path constantly through media such as the internet, television, magazines, radio, social media, even in the grocery store line on screens intended to capture our attention. As I drive down the roadways, I am invaded by images that at times can be…

Although visual complexity is increasing and graphics are essential to support readers' comprehension of disciplinary texts, visual literacy receives scant attention. Research suggests that effectively instructing students to interpret discipline-specific graphics would yield better comprehension. However, before this line of inquiry can be…

Civic education is critical to the preparation of migrant youth for democratic living by instilling in them a sense of belonging to the polity. However, liberal conceptions of the citizen as a rational individual actor do not explain the relationship between emotions and belonging or how affective boundaries can limit civic participation. This…

There are multiple benefits to women's history, including identifying women's experiences as historically significant and recognizing the variety of perspectives of historical actors. Engaging students with resources on women's history requires teachers to be prepared to deal with students' misconceptions and feelings about gender and feminism.…