Reflection Paper Two: Teaching with Historical Methods
For this paper i have copied below the instructions for the assignment. It is a research based paper that combines implementing a lesson plan based upon the reading the paper is on. I will attach the reading, and please let me know if you need anymore information. Below is the details for the assignment from the instructor.
Historians use a variety of sources and methodologies to create accounts of past events and people. Unfortunately, the most common experience secondary students have in using the historical method is performing research papers that rely heavily on secondary sources to answer uncontroversial questions. And yet, evidence of past events is all around them. How can social studies teachers develop activities and assessments that utilize inquiry to analyze a variety of types of sources of evidence? This paper will ask you to consider this broad questions in three parts:
1) Part 1: You will begin by reading one of the following chapters* from the book After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection by Davidson and Lytle:
? Chapter 3 ? Declaring Independence
In your paper, describe in detail the historical method the authors are portraying. For example ?The View from the Bottom Rail? deals primarily with oral history. Some questions you might ask yourself: How and when do historians employ the method being described in the chapter you read? What insights do they glean about past events? Where do they find their sources? What are the limits and challenges to creating narratives about the past using this particular method? Have I encountered this method when reading books and articles in my history coursework?
2) Part 2: Next, design and describe a social studies activity where students would use the method described in the chapter you read to learn about what historians do and historical content. You are not writing a lesson plan, but simply describing, step-by-step, the activity or assignment. Explain the objectives of this activity, how you would implement it in class, and how you would assess your students? learning. Remember, the goal is for students to develop deep content knowledge and an understanding of how historians create narratives out of the past. Also, consider the challenges you foresee in implementing this activity.
3) Part 3: Reflect on the importance of students learning about how historical narratives are constructed. What civic, vocational, and life skills are gained through this type of learning?
