When you really think about it, the constructivist approach is the only way to really teach social studies effectively. Social studies is, by nature, a discipline of experiencing the world around you, connecting the past and present, and determining your place in the world. Lessons which teach definitions, rote facts, and information from one perspective are not true social studies.
The constructivist approach which involves exploration, concept/skill development and concept/skill application lets students experience the past, hypothesize about the future, discoveer the connections between the two.
I will say, however, that the constructivist approach requires time -- perhaps more than we think we have as educators. There needs to be time to develop the lesson, find or make the contacts with outside resources, get to know the students to make relevant connections, and allow students to explore concepts on their own. The only way to get that time is to integrate social studies with other subjects. Constructivism and integration go hand in hand.
I hope that in 10 years, when I have more experience under my belt, I will not be worn out by the daily demands of school life and be tempted to forget this important revelation.
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