Christopher T. Dague, Ph.D. 171 Moultrie Street Capers Hall 327-B Charleston, South Carolina 29409
[email protected] Office – 843.953.2064/Cell – 330.388.5865 Education North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 Doctor of Philosophy – Curriculum and Instruction, Social Studies Education, December 2015 Dissertation “An Action Research Study Exploring the Implementation of Discussion Pedagogy in Support of Student Autonomy in Advanced Placement Courses.” under the direction of Dr. John Lee. Abstract While the purpose of social studies is to prepare students for civic life, there exists an over reliance of teacher-centered, motivationally controlling methods of instruction utilized in even the most advanced secondary-level social studies courses. These methods and educational practices are creating learning environments in which students experience varying degrees of passivity and subordination. In this project, an alternative approach to AP social studies courses was explored as a way to address the discord between rhetoric and reality existent in advanced social studies education courses. This action research study sought to explore how the use of discussion pedagogy could be employed to create an intersection among the purpose of social studies, the goals of AP courses, and the role of student autonomy in classroom learning environments. Campbell University, Buies Creek, North Carolina Master of Education, with Distinction – Curriculum and Instruction, Social Studies Education, May 2009 Research Thesis – “The Impact of Sports Participation on the Retention of High School African- American Females” under the direction of Dr. Benjamin Greene The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio Bachelor of Arts – Education, Social Studies Concentration, December 2004 Senior Thesis – “Praxis for a Democratic Education: An Analysis of Theory and Practical Constructivist Application” under the direction of Dr.