What to Look for in a History Alive! Classroom

A History Alive! classroom is an environment where all students are engaged in learning. Students actively participate in hands-on activities, and they are challenged to do the work of historians as they gather and analyze information. Listed below are some things to look for when visiting History Alive! classrooms.

Ratio of “Teacher Talk” to “Student Talk”

• Teacher acts as facilitator, not lecturer.
• Teacher employs spiral questions that lead students to discovery of information (Level 1: Gathering Evidence, Level 2: Interpreting Evidence, Level 3: Forming Hypotheses).
• Students are engaged in “on-task talk” (use of models such as Response Groups, Think, Pair, Share, and cooperative groups).

Cooperative Tolerant Classroom Environment

• Mutual respect is apparent between students and teacher.
• Students work effectively in groups of two and three and move quickly and easily into different group formation.
• Teacher forms multiple-ability groups.

Use of Interactive Student Notebooks

• Students complete Preview Assignments, Reading Notes, and Processing Assignments.
• Students bring Interactive Student Notebooks to class and take pride in their notebooks.
• Teacher customizes notebook assignments to meet students' needs, such as adding extra scaffolding/support or providing extension assignments.

Standards-Based Lessons Reflect Preview-Content-Process Model

• Preview Assignments connecting to prior knowledge are used to introduce lessons.
• Content is delivered through Multiple Intelligence Teaching Strategies, Student Edition, and Interactive Student Notebooks.
• Processing Assignments allow students to apply what they have learned at the end of the lesson.

Use of Multiple Intelligence Teaching Strategies

• Teacher frequently uses visuals, such as overhead transparencies, graphic organizers, and/or placards.
• Teacher uses Sounds of History audio CD.
• Teacher incorporates hands-on activities to deliver content, such as Experiential Exercises, Visual Discovery, Response Groups, Problem Solving Group Work, Social Studies Skill Builder, and Writing for Understanding.