Effective Teaching and Learning of Social Studies Education: A Panacea to Terrorism in Nigeria

This paper examines the relevance of the effective teaching and learning of social studies education in Nigeria's Basic Education Schools in curbing terrorism in Nigeria. The paper looks at the concept of social studies education and terrorism in Nigeria and findings reveal that the people involved in terrorism are intolerant of divergent and opposing views and this could effectively be managed if the children and youths imbibe the culture of unity, respect, social values, and tolerance of opposing and divergent views with the effective teaching and learning of social studies. Findings further reveal that the teaching of social studies in Nigerian schools is not meeting the desired objectives, not because of the quality of the curriculum structure but ineffective delivery of the subject. The paper concludes that the effective teaching and learning of social studies education is a veritable tool that can be used to instill social values in the citizenry right from a young age which will nip social ills like terrorism in the bud. The paper recommended that Social Studies should not be taught as a mere academic exercise to fulfill the directives of the planners of the Nigerian Educational Systems. The philosophy and objectives of the course should be in the mind of the teachers as they impart knowledge. Also, practical demonstration of love and tolerance of the divergent views should be expressed. Adequate mechanisms to access the students' assimilation and practice of the social values and discipline they learnt from the studies of social studies should be devised and be put in place.