The Civil War helped to shape the history of the
United States. Students need to understand the major concepts, ideals,
and conflicts of the North and the South. They will begin to comprehend
how those differences could bring a nation to such a momentous event as
a Civil War. My motivation is to teach this subject in a diverse
and interesting way.
My lessons are based on Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory,
where instruction and assessment are matched to the student’s ability,
helping to reach differing levels of students. This includes memory,
creativity, practicality or analysis. My first lesson uses role-
play, with an emphasis on analysis to compare and contrast both sides in
the Civil War. My second lesson uses creative writing with an emphasis
on practicality, the applicability of the Civil War to countries today,
such as Yugoslavia. My third lesson uses technology, with an emphasis
on memory, remembering battles, leaders, and dates. Technology can
be used to support both Jean Piaget’s and Lev Vygotsky’s theories of cognitive
development. The computer is used as a simulation tool for displaying
knowledge, and for repairing misconceptions and errors in thinking.
It can also be used for same age peers to debate issues, fostering cognitive
conflict. The use of computers allows the student to link learners
to more knowledgeable experts and scaffold student’s learning.
Drama |
Literature |
Technology |
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