In the course "Primary Research through the History
of Beverly", we incorporate research into the student learning opportunity.
We attempt to bridge the distance between student, teacher and scholar.
The need for this type of "student as their own
historian" approach evolved as part of a national reform movement
to improve social studies education. The classroom approach of critical
thinking through primary research is an integral aspect of this
movement. This approach has finally enabled scholars and teachers
to work co-operatively in the development of a strategy that is
both academically challenging and exciting.
As the study of social history has become more
widely used in our classroom, it becomes increasingly more relevant
for students to be able to investigate the relationship of their
local community or group with the larger national or international
context or perspective of events. Unfortunately, history for many
students has become a dull memorization of facts. This hands on
approach to primary research will hopefully make history come alive
through its own investigation.
In availing opportunities for a critical thinking
through primary research, we have integrated a myriad of research
vehicles for intellectual investigation. One of our most popular
units of study is in the field of Early American Gravestone Studies
which we fondly refer to as "Tiptoeing Through the Tombstones".
