Our worldview affects every part of our lives. The way we view people, places, ideas, things and the way we react to events. It influences people more strongly than we think, as others look at what we do and say and form ideas about us and what we value. This essay will examine how an author's worldview is reflected in their perspective of the nature and purpose of social studies.
Right from something as simple as the definition of Social Studies an author's world view can be observed. Van Brummelen, Koole and Haycock, who all write from a Christian perspective, hold similar views to the purpose of teaching social studies. "The main goal of social studies, then, is to help students understand and respond to the process of cultural formation, both past and present." (Van Brummelen.1994.pp 165). Koole expands this definition further as he takes readers through the "five basic points to a proper understanding of the social studies." (Koole.1984.pp 1). Which are: God created heavens and the earth. Man was given a special place at the head of creation. Man responded in disobedience. God upholds his creation and sends Jesus to restore man to his proper place (which will not happen in it's entirety till Christ's second coming). The development of culture and social institutions are human responses to the culture mandate and either reject or embrace God. (Koole.1994.pp 2). .
In contrast with this, are the authors who write from a secular point of view. Their main aim of social studies is, as the New Zealand Curriculum Document puts it: "Social studies education aims to enable students to participate in a changing society as informed, confident, and responsible citizens." (Ministry of Education.1997.pp 8). Michaelis and Garcia go a bit further in saying that all the parts of social studies learning - like history, economics, geography and so on, are important but more so is learning how to problem solve, "make informed and reasoned decisions for the public good".