On a wintery day in February, NEC hosted North Education Center History Day. Students, staff, and members of the public visited the school cafeteria to hear NEC students present on their various historical projects. This year’s theme, Frontiers in History: People, Places and Ideas, asked students to come up with a project idea, research it through both primary and secondary sources, and then create an engaging presentation on the topic.
Social Studies teacher Caleb Brown, one of the key organizers of the event, gets excited as he stands in a cafeteria full of students and their projects. “It’s really cool to see students really come alive as they learn things. To see the pride on their faces as they put their projects together and become literal experts on the topic and share with other people, it’s pretty incredible.”
Hear Caleb talk about the project here:
From a Culturally Responsive Teaching & Learning mindset, this highlights so many elements. Student-driven projects where students can express their interests and values can often help students feel that school is a place that reflects who they are and cares about them. It’s a great example of how Student Choice can make learning relevant for kids.
Hear Mariana share her excitement for her project with Jeremiah, on the history of Nintendo.
Congratulations to all NEC students and staff who made the day a fantastic and memorable experience for all! And reach out to your friendly neighborhood Instructional Coach if you’d like to learn about how you might bring projects like these to your classroom.