Session Abstract

We are scholars, writers, guides, but above all, we are all teachers. Since Socrates led his students on “teaching” walks, educators have struggled with ways to make learning come alive for students. Across disciplines, pedagogical experts have weighed in on this goal, stressing the need to a.) teach creatively and b.) instill creativity in the student mind as the foundation for the development of critical thinking. [1] Our own Association members have addressed this issue as well.[2]

In this panel, we propose a roundtable to discuss frankly how we, as instructors of History, have in the past and can in the future both teach creatively and teach creativity—to develop, to use the language of the annual theme, a creative community. To make our discussion broadly applicable, our panelists and commentator represent four year colleges, both large and small (Virginia State University, Urbana University, Thomas More College), and two-year colleges (Raymond Walters College of the University of Cincinnati and Grand Rapids Community College.) We will speak to experience in the World, European, and American History surveys, as well as upper-level courses. Our format will be as follows: Each instructor will speak briefly to how he or she has dealt with this issue, and following that, our chair will pose questions (including how to revamp lecture and relevant use of technology) to stimulate a dialogue among members of the panel and members of the audience. At an annual meeting on the theme of “Communities and Networks,” we, as a panel, will utilize this networking opportunity to share and enhance our skills of teaching.