The purpose of this study is to suggest class critiques for enhancing the professionalism of
social studies student teachers. To achieve this aim, the meaning of teaching professionalism is
identified, as are the essential qualifications and conditions of this concept through literature
reviews. Second, the possibilities and limitations of class critiques as a recipe for teaching
professionalism are discussed. Third, a frame for class critiques, which was modified for
overcoming weaknesses, is suggested.
The results are as follows: the essential qualifications for teaching professionalism are
competence of instruction, interpretation, and reflective thinking. The conditions for these
qualifications are authentic lesson situations, open instruction perspectives, active areas for
inquiry, and devices for promoting critical inquiry. Class critiques seem to meet most of these
requirements. They fall short, however, of maintaining inquiry of instruction. A modified class
critique frame is therefore suggested. It covers steps such as presupposing, lesson discussion,
and the sharing of review papers. These activities provide opportunities for the student to
experience different perspectives and choices with respect to the lesson. In addition, a case for
class critiques in social studies teacher education is presented.