Modernizing history classroom presentation 2013

Who we are...

Chris Rhodes•crhodes@micds.org

Carla Federman•cfederman@micds.org•@CRFederman

1,243 StudentsJK through 12th Grade1:1 Laptop program

Brain image

Outline

1. Summary of relevant brain research2. Our conclusions on how to implement

findings

Pause

3. Examples of how we utilize technology to teach content and skills while increasing engagement

The ResearchFinding #1 - The brain that thinks is the brain that learnsFinding #2 - Every brain is differentFinding #3 - The brain thrives on moderate challengesFinding #4 - The brain succeeds when organized and engaged

Finding #1: The brain that thinks is the brain that learns

Finding #2: Every brain is different

Finding #3 The brain thrives on moderate challenges

Finding #4 The brain succeeds when organized and engaged

“Chunking”

Conclusion #1

IF… the brain that thinks is the brain that learns AND the brain succeeds when organized and engaged...

THEN… our curriculum should be thematic and based around a few essential questions that allow students to think deeply about the same idea from different angles.

United States History ThemesTHEME ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Democracy & Republicanism

1. Is the US based on Democracy or Republicanism, and how have the concepts changed over the course of American history?

2. What is the role of the individual in the electoral process?3. How do personal beliefs translate into political affiliations?

Constitutionalism & Federalism

1. To what extent have Constitutionalism & Federalist succeeded in protecting and strengthening the rights of people and the government?

2. How has the balance of power shifted throughout American history?

Expansion & Industrialization

1. In what ways has expansion shaped America’s history?2. How have the concepts of expansion & industrialization evolved?3. What has been the importance and historical significance of frontiers in American

history?

Revolution, Reform, & Protest

1. What impact have revolution, reform, & protest had on American history?2. What are the elements that make a revolution, reform, or protest successful?

Immigration & Class1. To what extent and in what ways has immigration shaped the United States?2. How has America’s reaction to immigrants changed over the course of history?

Race & Racism1. How applicable has the statement “All men are created equal” been?2. How and in what ways has the concept of race evolved?

War & Peace

1. Which American war has had the most significant impact in defining American identity, society, & politics?

2. How has America’s foreign policy impacted America’s domestic situation and world standing?

World History ThemesTHEME ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Dynasties & Rulers1. In what ways did law become the basis of society?2. Why and how did governments transitions between centralized & decentralized?3. How did rulers govern their states & legitimize their rule?

Cultural & Religious Developments

1. How were societies organized?2. How did cultural innovations such as family, social groups, and religious groups

unite people and facilitate common action?3. In what ways did the transmission of foreign ideas influence local cultures?

Economic Systems & Interactions

1. How did factors such as politics, religion, and environment contribute to the growth of trade and production?

2. How did economic growth and inter-regional trade impact society?3. How did economic systems reflect the values and customs of a society?4. What were the strengths and weaknesses of various economic systems?

Wars & Warfare1. What caused war?2. What were the motivations for expansion/colonization?3. What was the impact of military innovations on the creation of states & empires?

Social & Political Revolutions

1. What were the underlying principles that move a nation to change?2. Did change have to be violent?3. What could be done to manage change?

MindMap

Conclusion #2

IF… the brain that thinks is the brain that learns AND the brain thrives on moderate challenge...

THEN… we must teach skills sequentially and move to standards- based grading with clear rubrics and support. Whenever possible, departments must coordinate how they develop and teach core skills.

9th Grade Skills Guide

Evolution of Writing Assignments

Paragraphs• Present and defending an idea

Defend Thesis Paragraph• Defend a complex idea with three related

paragraphs Thesis-driven essay

• Present and defend a complex idea

Rubrics

Noodletools

Conclusion #3

IF… the brain thrives on moderate challenge, every brain is different, AND the brain succeeds when organized and engaged...

THEN… we should utilize technology to differentiate assessments and create engaging assignments.

Updating the History Classroom Prezi

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