Veterans History Project
http://www.servicelearning.org/slice/index.php?ep_action=view&ep_id=259
Brief Description: Students create video and audio oral interviews with veterans from World War II to the present. They will contact veterans and veterans groups, set up the appointments, prepare the questions, learn how to use the audio or visual equipment, and conduct the oral interviews. The completed interviews will become part of the Folk Life Collection of the Library of Congress.
This particular service learning project almost entirely fulfills all the benefits and best practices described in the Inquiry Learning in Social Studies concept map. The service learning lesson plan requires that the students form the questions that will be used in the interview. Students must also choose the group of veterans they will interview, in addition to deciding between an audio or visual approach. All of these requirements enable the students to take ownership and control of their learning, while also teaching them to think and act critically. Choosing to interview the veterans of World War II connects the students life with the lives of those learned in a history book.
The methods of inquiry learning used in this lesson closely reflect the strategies mentioned in the concept map; especially the proposal to delegate tasks such as observation and recording to the students, allowing for a better understanding of social studies. After the students carry out the interviews, the completed version is submitted to the Library of Congress and each student then writes a reflective essay outlining their experiences during the project.
The Veterans History Project addresses all of the challenges and concerns mentioned on the concept map. Although most of the project relies on the student, strategies and expectations are in place to guide them through the project. The profusion of student participation might shock some teachers, but by allowing the students to take control of their learning experience and setting lofty goals (Library of Congress), students will, in my opinion, choose to contribute.
As a social studies teacher, I would definitely consider implementing this lesson plan into my classroom. Not only is it a great inquiry learning project, but it also recognizes the importance of oral history while recognizing the heroes of the past.
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I love this lesson. I think it is so important for students to not only have a relationship with the older generation to obtain first-hand facts about turning points in the world, but to also be able to ask their own questions instead of reading what someone else thinks is important. The only problem I forsee with this lesson is that many of the World War II vets have passed. As time progresses, this lesson could still be used with Vietnam Vets for example. I personally enjoy the stories from World War II the most though so I would choose this as well. Students may want to read a book called "The Greatest Generation" by Tom Brokaw to get kids thinking about the questions they will ask.
ReplyDeleteI like this lesson plan too! I have listened to a lot of war stories since my grandfather was a WWII vet and it's a useful and entertaining way to learn about the war. I agree with Jennifer that it will become increasing difficult to interview WWII vets since they are in the 80s or 90s and are passing away. However, there are other veterans to interview. An interesting group of vets would be those that fought in the Korean War because it is largely forgotten war. MOAA is a military organization that contains many vets. Most cities have their own branch so it would be a good community resource if you choose to do this service learning project.
ReplyDeleteThis does seem like a great way for young students to connect to a generation that will not be here for very much longer. I think the students that do this type of project will have a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by the WWII generation and all the veterans that come after them. I would say that this service plan definitely has a short time before it will be to hard for students to find WWII vets.
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