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Building a Framework for Historical Understanding (c) 2011 AIHEWhat we want to do..Create a functional intellectual framework for students to acquire historical knowledge.Logically sequence history instruction so that it builds and can be mentally attached to that framework.Use the instructional sequence to build an understanding as opposed to a factual compilation.

(c) 2011 AIHEHistory as a House

What components do we see here?What supports the parts we see?(c) 2011 AIHEHouse starts with a Frame

(c) 2011 AIHEWhy this is important We speak our own language in history instructionCase in point:Progressive thinking, particularly its emphasis on the importance of economic considerations, changed the interpretive framework of Reconstruction. *If it is foreign and obfuscated to many of us, what it like for students?* FrancisG. Couvares, Martha Sexton, Gernald N. Grob, George A. Billas, ed.,Interpretations of American History:Patterns & Perspectives,7th ed., Volume II: From Reconstruction (New York: The Free Press, 2000), 25

(c) 2011 AIHEEffects of a Poor Foundation(c) 2011 AIHE

Can this house support more weight?How do we create a proper framework?Make sure that instruction is tightly focusedThe material has to be delivered in small partsThe parts need to build on each other a scaffolding effect

(c) 2011 AIHEThe Greatest Invention EVER!(c) 2011 AIHE

The Building Blocks approachEssential QuestioningBreaking Down into Digestible PartsBuilding Conceptual KnowledgeContextualization and InterpretationIf these building blocks get out of order or out of alignment then historical understanding suffers(c) 2011 AIHEWhy use this method?Focus and OrganizationHelps students see history in a focused and organized fashion rather than something that can be overwhelming in its entiretyBuilds Conceptual UnderstandingUnless we consciously identify the essential understandings related to a topic, we tend to focus on fact-based content as the outcome of instruction, and the conceptual level of thinking and understanding is left out

(c) 2011 AIHEWhy use this method?Utilizing the structured Building Blocks approach allows teachers to help students build that elusive conceptual understanding, contextualization, and interpretation.

ConceptsContextInterpretation(c) 2011 AIHEImplementationBegin with an essential question (or a couple) to help frame the lessonBegin the process of chunking the informationUsing the age-old Economic, Social, and Political pieces of the puzzleOr use any constructivist approach where you can tear down and logically build upUse discussion of the various chunks build conceptual knowledge and understandingFinish by answering the essential question to establish context and reinforce interpretation

(c) 2011 AIHEOk, well lets go do this!(c) 2011 AIHE