B.A. Social Studies
I just returned from the Missouri Council for the Social Studies (MCSS) annual conference yesterday and I would like to reflect on the experience and my top five takeaways from my weekend in Columbia. I had a great time reconnecting with my Mount Vernon friends (it’s amazing how these friendships have grown in such a short time) and making new connections that all created a positive weekend and professional development experience. Here are my top five takeaways (in chronological order) from the conference: #1: Teachers are Looking for Examples of Project Based Learning
#2: George Washington Is Still the Man!I have already written on the lesson that I planned and executed based on my inspiration from my professional development trip to Mount Vernon (http://bit.ly/AntonGW). Our (Sarah Courtney's, Kris Larson's, Alexis Small's, and my) session began with that activity and included three others that could be used as a way of integrating Washington, but also could be used for so many other historical figures. I think that our attendees left with four great lessons and ideas that they can take and use in their classrooms in some variation.
One person made the same note about the abundance of Washington sessions, but pointed out that every one of them were passionate and different, showing the diverse amount of information and excitement for G.W. gained from the experience in Mount Vernon’s education programs. #3: How to Use Nazi Propaganda in the ClassroomMoving into the afternoon, I attended Rhonda Ireland’s presentation on “Examining Nazi Propaganda.” Rhonda has an evident passion for studying the Holocaust and she is well-versed on the topic. Her session was centered around her experiences with the Midwest Center for Holocaust Education (MCHEKC.org). I walked away with a packet full of primary sources that I can use in the classroom. A few of the most interesting documents pertained to Nazi education on the issue of racial education that were very striking and could be used as an introductory activity to use in the discussion of the Holocaust or Nazi ideology. I think these documents would pair well with the Disney film, “Education for Death: The Making of a Nazi.” There is a ton of potential to show that American propaganda was factual in many cases. To me, the most striking part of these documents was how transparent and open the Nazis were in spreading their ideology of hate--something that always astounds me when researching the topic. #4: How to Better Incorporate Photographs as StorytellersFrom my perspective as a high school teacher, I am always skeptical when I walk into a session with an elementary teacher for the reason that there are often methods discussed that are more appropriate for that level than mine. This session was not that way. I walked out with a lesson that I can and will use in my classroom that used photographs and primary source analysis skills to create a timeline. Kathy Wilson and Craig Carson did an excellent job presenting a lesson pertaining to the history of the postal service that could be easily adapted to any historical event or topic. I especially appreciate how it could be used for a local history course where you could have students or maybe a local historical society provide photos to tell the story of the area.
#5: Activity Ideas to Promote Sustained InquiryMy interest in PBL and intertwining inquiry based strategies brought me to this workshop. Paula Keltner provided us with many resources and ideas for use in our classrooms that included primary sources, infographics, op-ed pieces, interaction, and collaboration. One of my key points when incorporating PBL is that there is still structure even though the students are driving their own learning. This session provided activities that I will be able to use in my course as a way to drive and promote sustained inquiry in my classroom. My favorite activity dealt with photographs as inquiry hooks. There were a series of photos on the wall that introduced the idea for the unit that dealt with defining the “American Dream” and whether it is possible to achieve it. We circulated the room and wrote our thoughts on sticky notes based on each photo that helped us to wrap our minds around the differences that perspective has on our views of the American Dream and what it means to have accomplished it or if it's possible. My second favorite, because it is a skill that I have focused on more recently dealt with helping students annotate and see the value in annotation by having the teacher read aloud their thoughts with students as they analyze a text. Personal Bonus: Appointment to MCSS Board of DirectorsI was fortunate to make many new connections over the weekend and was appointed the Vice President of Legislation for the Missouri Council for the Social Studies. This position is perfect! It combines my passion for social studies education with my interest in state and local politics and government. I'm excited to get started and hope that I can provide value to the organization and promote the protection and value of social studies in education.
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AuthorBrian Anton currently serves the Purdy R-II (Missouri) School District as the 7-12 Principal after working in the PK-12 Assistant Principal and Athletic Director roles for two years. In the 12 years prior to moving into administration, he served as an award-winning high school social studies teacher. Archives
September 2018
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