Teaching Black Histories through the Lens of a Single Family
Student engagement in the learning of Black histories can be intensified by teaching through the lens of a single family and connecting to their stories.
Presented by:
Lisa Shutt, University of Virginia
Abstract:
Educators can introduce students to various Black history topics through the lens of individual families and through the physical spaces of their homes and communities. Teachers at all levels can help students to learn effectively by combining (1) analysis of primary sources in archives and libraries (or digitally), (2) spending time at the family’s historical home and community sites (or ‘visiting’ virtually), and (3) engaging students in storytelling, employing stories drawn from oral histories. With this approach, students become invested in topics related to the family (such as education, land ownership, foodways) and retain facts and concepts with more confidence.
Keywords:
Black History, Student Engagement, Primary Sources
Learning Outcomes:
1. Design a learning experience for students that incorporates multiple, but complimentary, pedagogical methods.
2. Outline a course or learning experience focused on particular learning outcomes that are accessed through one or more generations of a particular family.
3. Devise a strategy for bringing Black histories and stories of Black success and joy to life for students of all levels and backgrounds.
Teaching Black Histories through the Lens of a Single Family
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References
Abrams, L. (2010) Oral History Theory, London: Routledge.
Bage, D.G., & Bage, G. (1999). Narrative Matters: Teaching History through Story (1st ed.). Routledge.
Rosenthal G. (1989) ‘The biographical meaning of a historical event’ in International Journal of Oral History, 10, no. 3, pp. 183–193.
Sharpe, J. (1991) ‘History from below’ in P. Burke (ed.), New Perspectives on
Historical Writing, London: Routledge, pp. 25–42.