Sage to Guide: Active Learning

Person: “Oh, you are a teacher? What subject do you teach?”

Me: “Social Studies”

Person: “Ugh, I hated Social Studies in school.  I love history as an adult, though!”

This exchange happens quite often to me and is frustrating.  Not the question asked, but the conjured feelings when adults think back to their Social Studies classroom days.  My memories of high school social studies are also not too shiny.  Thankfully, my 8th grade SS teacher fostered a love of history to carry me through those times.

What is the cause?

As adults, if we are interested in a topic, we research it.  That issue will lead to another, and another…before we know it, history comes alive to us.

We need our students to be active investigators in their learning now:

Idea #1: A two-day Powerpoint on Absolute Rulers will satisfy the standards.  The kids will take notes (and never look at the paper again), memorize a couple of names for the quiz, and move on to the next topic.

Idea #2: Students research one ruler and create a resume with career highlights.  A cover letter is next, where the student “throws shade” on another Absolute Ruler who, rumor has it, is also applying for a job in a fictitious country. (A revision of this activity, with a job interview component, is linked here)

How do we manage to find the time for Idea #2? Active learning motivates students to work harder.   The learning is personal. Active, hard-working students will accomplish more.  We are teaching deadlines, goals, and research.  All 21st Century Skills. For those who say lectures are prepping kids for college, read this article regarding a recent movement in Higher Ed.

I would love to hear how you are transforming your classroom to active learning!

 

 

1 comment for “Sage to Guide: Active Learning

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *