NCSS+Innovative+Ways+to+Teach+World+History+(Yale),+Summer+2009

This three day intensive workshop offered a mixture of lectures by Yale faculty as well as "hands on" sessions conducted by NCSS members. The lectures - the most enriching part of this workshop - covered topics such as the history of globalization, slavery and the slave trade, cross-cultural encounters, and teaching the history of east Asia. The aim of these lectures was to generate movement away from the Euro-centric approaches that have dominated social science curricula. Beyond offering us a glimpse into some of their fascinating research projects, the professors provided us with a rich trove of resources for our own use. Other sessions addressed the use of technology and inquiry-based methods in teaching world history. The technology session stimulated debate between some of us regarding the appropriateness of games and simulations in teaching topics related to human suffering. It was here where we tried to identify the fine line between innovation and desensitization. In sum, the workshop validated many of the initiatives we have already embraced at RE, in particular the Harkness method and a healthy integration of technology.

Posted by Jennifer Nero