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in Region 4
 
 

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"American Mosaic: A Meeting of Worlds"
Summer Seminar 2003
for 8th Grade Teachers of Early American History

Professional historians, curriculum specialists, museum educators and instructional technologists engaged participants in an intensive seminar of interactive and expanded learning experiences. Participants developed grade-specific curriculum materials that integrated technology and incorporated a variety of resources.

The seminar was divided into three segments: a core component emphasizing content mastery led by professional historians; a grade-specific component focusing on history pedagogy led by curriculum specialists that emphasized the critical reading and application of primary sources; and an instructional technology component emphasizing effective ways to integrate new technologies into the history classroom. This component helped teachers learn to use tape recorders, digital cameras, and video cameras to create a local history archive; utilize photographs and film clips as an entry way into American History; and develop online history resources as an enhancement and addition to classroom materials.

Participants in the seminar also created curriculum materials aligned to the TEKS/TAKS and conducted professional development activities related to their PATH experience during the 2003-2004 school year.

  • Resources
    • Museum of Fine Arts resources
    • History Department resource

When did the seminar take place?

May 6, May 17, and June 9-20, 2003, on the campus of the University of Houston.

Who was eligible?
Any teacher whose primary responsibility was the teaching of 8th grade early American History teacher in the Region 4 geographic area.

What did participants do?

Participants had to attend and participate in two meetings in May, the two week summer institute, and a minimum of five subsequent follow up projects, including special events and colloquia that were held during the 2003-2004 school year. Participants also worked in collaborative groups to develop TEKS/TAKS aligned curriculum materials.

What benefits did participants receive?

All participants received:

    • 9 hours of graduate credit upon completion of all project requirements (tuition paid);
    • $1,500 stipend;
    • access to camcorders, digital cameras, and tape recorders through a check-out system;
    • free resource materials;
    • partially compensated childcare expenses;
    • all meals during the seminar;
    • all-expense paid field trips.

PATH logo

The Project for the Active Teaching of History
www.path.coe.uh.edu

Funded by a major grant from the U.S. Department of Education, PATH seeks to enhance the teaching of American history throughout the Gulf Coast region. A joint project of Region 4 Education Service Center, the University of Houston Department of History and College of Education, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, PATH will host a series of summer seminars for teachers and colloquia for the general public.

For additional information: Please contact Debra Williams, Education Specialist in Science/Social Studies Services at Region 4 Education Service Center,
713-744-6846 or dwilliams@esc4.net