The philosophies developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans – with their dispassionate and rationalist inquiries into human nature, the state and morality – moulded the history of influential social thought in Western society.

Through Social Studies, we gain a better understanding of how our society in Singapore works.

We learn about places, cultures and events around the world, and what transpired to make them the way they are.

Through Social Studies, we are also exposed to cultures and practices far beyond what we personally experience very day, so that we can be better citizens of a culturally diverse, democratic society in an interdependent and interconnected world.

Key values of democracy are equality, opportunity, and justice – themes which can be found throughout the Social Studies syllabus.

Social Studies encompasses economics, anthropology, geography, sociology, civics, history, and political science.

It is a field in the Social Sciences that deals with human behaviour, relationships, resources, and institutions.

Economics is a prominent component of Social Studies – whether studied on its own, or as part of history, political science, geography, or anthropology.

By learning economics, we understand how our financial decisions – personally, or through public policies – have an impact on our future, as well as the future of our community.

Critical thinking is an essential proficiency when studying Social Studies.

We are taught to evaluate others’ decisions, and to make connections between influences and circumstances – giving us an opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes and accomplishments through Social Sciences.

From Social Studies lessons, we learn about government, political thought and public policy decisions, and resource allocations.

History is what made the world the way it is today.

Through an appreciation and understanding of historical influences and decisions, we can contribute positively to society, engage in discourse and thrive in a democratic society.

SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHES YOU THESE PRACTICAL SKILLS

Human behaviour, relationships, attitudes – and how these have changed over time – are useful knowledge for any successful business and organization to amass.

Concepts from the Social Sciences and Social Studies are methodically harnessed in many different business contexts.

Advertising and marketing professionals often use these postulations of human behaviour from demography, psychology and sociology to more effectively market their products and services to consumers.

Social Studies is the integrated study of the social sciences and humanities, to promote civic responsibility and competence.

Within the MOE syllabus, Social Studies provides reasoned and balanced study that extracts from philosophy, law, religion, history, linguistics, anthropology, ethnic studies, psychology, economics, global studies, sociology, archaeology, demography, political science, social psychology, cognitive science, and geography.

It also includes pertinent content from mathematics, the natural sciences and the humanities.

The principal goal of Social Studies is to help us develop the aptitude to make prudent and rational decisions for the public good, as citizens of a culturally disparate, democratic community in a hyperconnected and rapidly changing world.

The economics aspects within Social Studies are indispensable to the business, finance and manufacturing sectors.

Many industries use economic analysis and quantitative methods to study and predict decision-making trends in the buying patterns of consumers and institutions, sales growth and how people interact with each other/products/services.

Social researchers investigate how societies function, exploring everything from the causes for economic expansion, to the reasons for unemployment, to what makes people happy.

Their findings shape public policies, education programmes, urban design, marketing campaigns, as well as the development of new products and services. 

Developing and enhancing these skills will be invaluable when looking for a job once you have graduated with a social science degree.

By learning to become users of information, students understand:

• What social science decisions are and how they are made
• How decisions are made using social science information
• The limitations of relying only on social science analysis
• The consideration of information that is not related to the social sciences
• The development of transferable techniques that include investigative, problem solving, research, decision-making, and inquisitory aptitude
• You will gain analytical dexterity, have an enquiring mind, and sharpen the ability to think logically
• The thorough and methodical approach to how you learn, assimilate and present important information
• How to deepen your organizational aptitude to plan and carry out projects
• How to explain results clearly and concisely
• Understand how social studies concepts relate to each other

WHY LEARN SOCIAL STUDIES?

Social science as an academic field of study that evolved from the Age of Enlightenment (or the Age of Reason), which flourished ubiquitously in the 17^th and 18^th century throughout Europe.

Intellectuals debated on ideas that encompassed nature, humanity, reason, and religion.

Their interpretations were amalgamated into doctrines that gained wide acquiescence in the West, and generated progressive outcomes in philosophy, politics, art, how humans understood the universe, and how they could improve their circumstances.

The goals these intellectual discourses were considered to converge around knowledge, freedom and happiness.

Émilie du Châtelet, Immanuel Kant, Anne Conway, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Dimitrie Cantemir, Ekaterina Dashkova, James Beattie, David Hume, Adam Smith, Francis Bacon, Joseph Butler, Étienne Bonnot de Condillac, Voltaire, Olympe de Gouges, George Berkeley, Mary Wollstonecraft, Pierre Bayle, and Denis Diderot were among the major male and female intellectuals at the time who laid the foundations for the study of social science in the Western world.

The social sciences are important because they help us understand how to analyze not only our own activities and motivations, but also the behavior and aspirations of our colleagues, friends, competitors, classmates, relatives and compatriots.  

The social sciences also give us a better insight of how to create institutions and relationships that are more inclusive and productive.

Social science is concerned with studying society through the collection and analysis of data.

Social Studies, on the other hand, typically focus on social observation that helps improve people’s lives by finding ways to resolve education, health, and business issues.

It provides insight and tools to measure social dynamics that are influenced by technology, culture, the law, community structure, an open system of social stratification, and trailblazing education – to provide insight about how societies and social alliances function.

Social scientists are indispensable because of their ability to use reasoning and data analysis to study the full range of human activity.

Using these data, they can apply their expertise in understanding the material world to ensure the economy is sustainable. 

Social Studies and the social sciences are broad fields that open the door to a wide range of career paths, depending on your skills and passions.

BENEFITS OF LEARNING SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies helps us to acquire knowledge of our contemporaries and the community that we live in.  

Having a suitable perceptiveness of human behaviour is valuable because it can lead to better quality of life for everyone.

Social Studies is a key apparatus for developing higher-order thinking skills in math, evaluation of evidence, research, critical thinking, accuracy of interpreting opinions and ideas, listening, problem-solving, thinking creatively, data collection and analysis.

From discussions, asking substantive and thorough questions and writing persuasive expositions, we are able to collaborate to learn how to discuss, use data, and reflect on and solve poverty, economic, political and environmental issues.

Social Studies helps us understand our own backgrounds, the values and diverse upbringings and circumstances of other Singaporeans, as well as the wide assortment of traditions and lifestyles of people around the world and at other periods in history.

We become more culturally-aware, learn about our civic obligations and responsibilities, and get better insights of how the government and economy work.

When we enhance our critical thinking techniques, we become better at understanding the relationship between two ideas, building rational deliberations, approach provocations meticulously, and reflecting objectively on the principles and beliefs of other people.

With these skills, we can evaluate decisions that were made traditionally, and analyze the benefits and damages made by those choices.

We can apprise how we would have handled certain situations differently and postulate how society might have changed if leaders had previously taken other courses of action.

Social Studies topics cover a broad range of topics.

Through it, we have the chance to learn about conflicts, political affiliations, the financial interest of various states/regions, social issues, and alliances between countries – to get a clearer, informed perceptiveness of how and why countries work together to create a functioning world.

WHAT REWARDING CAREERS/SPECIALTY AREAS REQUIRE SOCIAL STUDIES KNOWLEDGE?

Social Studies encompasses deep and perennial appreciations of ideas, research, beliefs, and expertise from the fields of political science, history, economics, the behavioral sciences, civics, and geography – and promotes civic proficiency at the national, regional and global community levels.

There is a wide range of thriving, rewarding and meaningful jobs that require mastery of social studies/social science – that range from international relations, academia, hospitality/tourism, mass communications, and marketing.

Typical careers in social science include advertising, business, psychology, law, social work, and finance.

Think Social Studies is a rigid and boring subject? Think again.

Because of factors such as globalisation, growing populations, and inflation, the field of Social Studies has evolved significantly over the past few decades, and it is now more dynamic than ever.

For students passionate about Social Studies, the career prospects are exciting, extensive, rewarding and diverse with high levels of responsibility, access to the latest advancements in your field, and the potential for high financial income.

The following examples often involve working with complex concepts, and a deep understanding of Social Studies principles.

So, which are the best paying jobs with excellent job prospects and potential career paths within the Social Studies/Social Science sector?

These are some careers requiring social studies/social science knowledge:

Journalist, Data Analyst, International Relations Specialist, Anthropologist, Social Worker, Public Policy Consultant, Psychologist, Librarian, Criminologist, Market Research Analyst, Data Linguist, Archaeologist, Event Manager, Professor, Digital Marketing Strategist, Copywriter, Urban Planner, Human Resources Manager, Sociologist, Historian, Community Services Manager, Psychologist, Public Relations Manager, Geographer, Scientist, Compliance Manager, Art Director, Content Marketing Manager, Archivist, Foreign Language Teacher, Programmer, Investment Analyst, Counselor, Technical Writer, Hospitality Industry Director, Multimedia Specialist, Financial Analyst, Lawyer, Graphics Designer, Social Scientist, Travel Agent, Political Consultant, Intelligence Analyst, Economist, Digital Marketing Manager, Fashion Designer, Administrative Services Manager, Compensation and Benefits Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Health Educator, Historian, Information Systems Analyst, Laboratory Technologist, Writer, Market Research Director, Musician, Photographer, Political Scientist, Web Developer, Social Science Analyst, Conservationist, Museum Curator, Family Counselor, Sociologist, Performing Arts Artiste

Different humanities subjects can help you to understand human behaviour and think not just creatively but also logically.

The social sciences are all about how society works.

Social scientists examine institutions like the government, the economy, and family.

They also study how individuals and groups interact with one another and what drives human behavior.

The social sciences will certainly continue to be a vital part of the workforce to help significantly improve people’s daily lives.

HOW TO LEARN SOCIAL STUDIES   

Why is learning Social Studies difficult?

There are many vital concepts in Social Studies.

It will therefore be advisable for you to highlight all the crucial materials in your textbooks or assessment books.

Based on the SEAB guidelines, Theme 1 covers the key concepts of citizenship, governance and trade-offs.

Theme 2 covers the key concepts of identity, diversity, harmony, assimilation and integration.

Theme 3 covers the key concepts of globalisation, interconnections, interdependence, homogenisation, hybridisation, security and trade-offs.

Of course, based on your own understanding, you can come up with your own list of essential content that can assist you in distilling the requisite information from the textbooks.

Having highlighted the essential content, the next thing that could be useful is to make descriptive notes on the important aspects, so that you can remember the concepts.

For productive notes, combine the main points with your own understanding of each theme, using headings, key points and your own explanations to yourself about why those points are important.

Despite having good knowledge of the topics for all themes, some students will still struggle to score well during the assessments or exams.

This is because they might not be sufficiently familiar with the examination format and answering scheme.

While it is essential to study hard, it is just as important to study smart by being aware of how you will be tested and graded.

Make sure that you do some timed practices so that you will get used to the duration, the pace at which you must work, and your ability to finish your paper in time.

By having a structured plan before you answer the question, you will be able to construct the best possible argument in your answers.

It saves you from realising (after writing four paragraphs) that you have misunderstood the question.

Social Studies is a progressive subject.

Anything you learn in the beginning of your Social Studies syllabus will be used later in the curriculum.

So, you need to really pay attention and understand.

Especially in the beginning.

You will see over and over again the interwoven topics and materials that you had learned before your first Social Studies exam, in subsequent lessons and exams.

This means that you have to get it right from the beginning, or risk being left behind.

If you feel the need to slack off at all or to take a break, do it near the end of the semester/academic year.

It is best that you aim for an A right from the beginning because many top-scoring students find that their grades start to slip when the content gets more complex.

They typically face difficulties in Social Studies when they struggle to grasp foundational concepts, encounter tougher principles, fail to make connections between different topics, and find it challenging to engage in abstract and logical reasoning.

Social Studies is considered a social science because it attempts to explain the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations.

It can be as difficult and demanding as any of the other equally challenging academic subjects like Physics, Math, Chemistry etc.

It is such a formidable course that you cannot afford to miss class.

A lot of the information, understanding and help you will need to get through your Social Studies syllabus will come directly from your school teacher, through her lectures.

It is not possible to miss class, copy our friends’ notes, and expect to do well in Social Studies.

It won’t happen.

Mastering what you learned in class last week is necessary in order to understand what is being taught in class today.

Don’t take good notes… take the right type of notes.

Your notes should clarify and supplement what you have already learned from your own study and clarify anything you do not quite understand.

Once you have obtained knowledge and can understand Social Study concepts, principles, laws, and theories, you are expected to use and apply material in real world situations.

You should therefore develop complementary skills: when you enhance your critical thinking and decision-making abilities, you will be able to apply Social Studies concepts more convincingly.

The unfamiliarity, volume and speed of information presented in Social Studies can be overwhelming for many students.

The vast expanse of knowledge, intricate terminologies, and the interwoven complexities often pose hurdles.

Many students grapple with the sheer volume of information and the abstract nature of Social Studies.

Reading and understanding extensive material by yourself at home can become intimidating, and this can discourage the pursuit of better grades.

By using the practical and easy tips below, you can master your Social Studies syllabus.

Memorizing basic information is helpful, but real learning comes from conceptual understanding.

Conceptual understanding is the goal.

To achieve this, it is crucial to note:

1. Some memorization is required, but mostly you need to think. You need to get used to working through how something works
2. To put it simply, there is a lot to learn and only a limited time for you to be adequately prepared for your exams
3. Social Studies is hard because you think it is hard. If you think something is difficult, you are setting up yourself to fulfil that expectation. You therefore need to truly believe that you can learn Social Studies. You may need to learn new study skills and change the way you organize your time, but anyone with the determination to learn Social Studies can do so. Once you succeed, you will gain a deep sense of accomplishment
4. The more times you hear and practice the materials, the easier it will get. Sections and chapters are constructed to highlight and guide you through particularly important concepts and social studies principles, so do revisit the content regularly. This can help you to increase your understanding and retention of the topic
5. If you did not answer any test questions correctly, go back and learn that exact material until you master it. Do this before even more content is covered by your teacher in class
6. See the “big picture”, the hierarchical structure of economic systems
7. Be able to understand how and why economic systems function the way they do
8. Grasp not only the definition of terms but why they are important
9. Do the assigned readings before your teacher covers it in school. Read and take notes on the assigned material before you come to class. This will enhance your understanding of the lecture and make note-taking easier
10. Check your understanding. After reading a section in the book, ask yourself if you could explain the material to your sibling or a friend. Reviewing questions and quizzes at the end of each chapter is also a great way to check your understanding of what you just learned
11. Convert your notes into study aids. When studying for exams, do not simply re-read your notes. Instead, convert your notes into matrices, concept maps or other visual representations of the material. Re-reading your notes is not enough
12. Form a study group. Working with a small group of 3 to 4 students will enhance your learning and comprehension. Teaching others is one of the best ways to learn Social Studies
13. Partner with an admired Social Studies mentor

If you cannot seem to truly understand a concept – even after consulting your notes and the textbook – schedule a meeting with your school teacher or start tuition with a Social Studies tutor from The Best In Singapore.

We equip our students with the how-how to study smart and score big for exams.

The individualized attention and tailored approaches offered by expert private tutors can unravel the intricacies of Social Studies. This is the transformative benefit of personalized Social Studies tuition in Singapore.

Social Studies principles build on top of one another, so taking the time to fully understand the more basic principles of Social Studies can help you to succeed when learning about the more difficult skills.

With customized guidance, students can navigate through challenging topics, understand complex theories, and foster an enduring curiosity for how Social Studies philosophies can be applied.

This demystifies Social Studies and helps you overcome academic hurdles. It also instils a profound passion and curiosity for Social Studies beyond mere academic obligations.

HOW TO TURN THIS MONTH INTO A SPRINGBOARD FOR SUCCESS IN YOUR NEXT EXAM

Social Studies examinations are a significant milestone, and demonstrate how much of the content you have mastered.

Yet, the complexity of the Social Studies syllabus can be a demoralizing challenge for many students.

To do well in any exam, we need to rely on discipline, not just motivation.

All top students know that they will not always feel like studying.

Motivation is fickle and can often disappear when your mood changes.

Discipline – on the other hand – means studying even when you don’t feel like it, and even when you do not feel motivated.

Strategic planning and systematic preparation play a formidable role in navigating these hurdles and achieving success in Social Studies.

There are days when you have to force yourself to do the work you need to. No matter how you feel.

And you have to stick to your schedule, despite everything else that is going on around you.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY TO LEARN SOCIAL STUDIES   Success in Social Studies exams depends on a combination of factors, from extensive understanding to efficient study methods.

• Try to understand patterns.
  The human mind loves categorising information and looking for relationships between the different things we encounter. This is how our minds make sense of the world around us
• Top students make use this way of thinking when it comes to studying as well
• They look at the bigger picture and they look for patterns in the Social Studies syllabus that will help them make sense of different – yet interrelated – topics
• Understanding the bigger picture, and how different topics relate to one another, will help you comprehend, memorise, and recall your work better.
• Try understanding the “why”
• It is not enough to just know “how” to solve a problem or approach an exam question, because you are expected to be able to apply the theory that you had learned
• Top students also know “why” you have to do things in a certain way. Understanding “why” will help you gain a deeper understanding of the work. This will then help you to internalise/absorb it more effectively This is particularly true in the field of Social Studies
• Understanding the theory behind certain things will help you answer unfamiliar questions – not only in your exams, but when you enter the workforce as well.

Adopting a structured study schedule, breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections, and dedicating focused study sessions to each topic significantly enhances comprehension and retention.

TACKLING THE RIGOUR OF SOCIAL STUDIES EXAMS  

Social Studies exams in Singapore are renowned for their depth and complexity, often posing an alarming challenge for students.

The partnership between the Ministry of Education and the University of Cambridge in crafting these examinations based on local requirements and global industry developments in Social Studies elevates their difficulty level.

Overcoming these challenges demands focused attention, a deep understanding of concepts, and strategic application of knowledge.

IMPORTANCE OF SYSTEMIC STUDYING AND STRATEGIC PREPARATION WITH EXPERT GUIDANCE

Cultivating a habit of regular revision and addressing weak areas play a significant role in mastering Social Studies.

A proven method to do well in Social Studies examinations is to have access to an experienced tutor in Singapore who is an expert at systematic studying and who is good at simplifying complex Social Studies concepts.

You will learn mind mapping, and how to create appropriate notes.

Importantly, you will be equipped with the exact key phrases to use for explanations and answers that fastidious exam markers require.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD SOCIAL STUDIES TUTOR  

One to one Social Studies tuition at home gives you exclusive attention, and caters to your specific needs and pace. 

This personalized touch fosters an environment where complex topics can be explored comprehensively, ensuring a solid foundation in the subject.

A good Social Studies home tutor possesses a unique blend of qualifications, an ability to break down intricate theories into digestible components, and effective teaching methodology.

Your Social Studies tuition teacher has a robust understanding of the content that you want to understand, imparts problem-solving strategies, and instils a sense of curiosity and passion for Social Studies.

Their dedicated guidance helps you to navigate through the labyrinth of complex Social Studies concepts.

KEY INSIGHTS

• Singapore’s best tuition agent, with the most qualified and experienced Social Studies tuition teachers
• Choose from over 5,300 Social Studies tuition teachers who are MOE teachers/experienced tutors with PhD/Master’s/Bachelor’s/university undergraduates
• Teaching pace and material used are tailored to fit your individual needs
• Full attention of Singapore’s best private tuition teachers
• Correct the misconceptions immediately
• Specialty exam preparation
• Exposing our students to all the types of questions would mean they would never be caught off guard in an exam
• Intensive and methodical learning
• Lessons infused with impactful exam techniques
• Attentive, hardworking, committed Social Studies family tutors
• We are here to transform confusion and anxiety into clarity and confidence

You can be a top student too!

Don’t think for a second that there is any real difference between you and a top-achieving student when it comes to what you are capable of.

The only thing standing between you and much better marks is working harder, and working smarter.

So if you want to get to the top of your class, and pass your course with distinction, you just have to cultivate better study habits.

Every student wants to do well.

But those with clear goals are the ones who manage to push themselves a bit further each time.

For each semester and each exam, you have to create a realistic goal for yourself regarding the marks you want to achieve. And each goal should be a just little higher than the previous one.

In a world where the pursuit of knowledge and good grades is inevitable, the choice of the right Social Studies tuition teacher – whether in-person or through online tuition in Singapore – can define the types of grades that you will have over the next 3 months, for your upcoming school assessments, and the national exams.

Effective Social Studies tuition helps you overcome academic hurdles and is a productive gateway to a deeper understanding and profound appreciation for how the social sciences impact our lives.