A Window to the Curriculum: Elementary Social Studies Curriculum in the Zenith of a Global Pandemic

Abstract

The educational landscape was disturbed by the sudden spread of the COVID-19. Alterations of curriculum transaction were coming up face to face interaction with students were no longer possible so as to address the need of the students’ online classes were implemented while schools are closed. The social studies curriculum as a core subject in the basic education curriculum that leads to the development of civic competence among young learners was also abridged to fit for flexible learning while sustaining its learning standards. The implementation of the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) to guide for teachers served as the emergency curriculum for the school year during the brink of the pandemic. The social studies emergency curriculum featured condensed learning competencies, flexible learning time, and personalized learning experiences. However, with learning events happening inside learners' respective homes, learned knowledge and skills in social studies are ephemeral, and the authenticity of learner’s work is open for skepticism.