Theory Practice Relationship IDENTIFIERS *Critical Thd,:y

This paper describes efforts to develk-p a social studies methods course based on a foundation of critical theory in education. The literature concerning critical theory is discussed. Critical theory focuses on three areas of educational thought: (1) the relationship of school to society; (2) conceptions of knowledge and curriculum; and (3) the nature of teaching. Critical theorists argue that teachers should be the primary decision-makers about curricula, teaching strategies, and learning materials. The methods course developed by the authors promotes three goals: (1) empowering future teachers as creators of curriculum; (2) strengthening the link betwee _ cr:l.tical viewpoints of education and teaching practice; and (3) encouraging reflective anall is as an integral aspect of teaching and learning. The first two segments of the course are designed to help students explore basic questions of education and introduce th