Ryan Harris Capstone

Mentor: Chris White Social Studies Teacher at Independence Charter School

At first, my capstone was going to be instructing my own class at my old middle school: Independence Charter School. After some consulting with my mentor, we decided to consolidate the idea to focus on National History Day and helping the students make even better projects. I began my capstone by first introducing myself to the students, showing them that I was a student who was well-versed in these projects. My capstone then divulged into weekly meetings with 7th and 8th graders doing things like discussing their ideas, going over sources, discussing their projects, etc. Throughout the process I certainly felt that my capstone could have been better, but after finishing I learned a few important things about working with kids. First of all, I can try to put forth myself as a useful source for the kids but if their not going to utilize that source that's that. I can't do the project for them but at the same time I to do something for them. Another thing I learned was that trying to maintain the focus of kids is very difficult job. One thing I definitely struggled with was trying to have a productive conversation with the kids. Whenever I'd suggest they would give opinion and sort of blankly accept my advice. All in all, even though I felt my capstone could have been better, I still learn a lot from it. 

Annotated Bibliography

Wan, Jason; Pan, Lina; Zheng, Don; Su, Christopher. “The Disease of Hope: Mao’s Great Leap Forward”.  Weebly. 29 Jan 2013. http://18069595.nhd.weebly.com/index.html

- I used this source as a reference on how to more flesh out a website with a web designer like Weebly. Demonstrates how different little things like a slideshows, hyperlinks, videos, and even something simple like a quote at the top of the screen can really flesh out a project and make it a winner. 

Ramamoorthy, Priya; Nathan, Maanasa; Mahadevan, Smrithi. “Title IX: Empowerment Through Education”. Weebly. 29 Jan 2013. http://76705925.nhd.weebly.com/index.html

- I used this source much like the previous one. This sources how extensive one’s research can be towards a NHD project. They not only talked about their topic but nearly everything that was before and after their topic in history. 

“The Revolutionary Reaper”. Dir. Justin Myers & William Scheopner. National History Day Competition. 04 Jun 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo2dbBv76Es&feature=player_embedded

- This source was useful because it shows how audio can make documentary stand out. Use of making quality audio, and even multiple recordings are helpful to re-enforce on students. 

“The Legacy of The White Rose.” Dir. Noami Hill. National History Day Competition. 06 Jul 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=767yxeIreF4&feature=player_embedded

- The source shows interlacing video within your documentary can also make it more fleshed out. The use of video, especially of really historical events, accompanied by narration makes the documentary seem more professional. 

“From Revolution to Constitution: Shay’s Rebellion.” By Chad Nowlan. Dir. Chad Nowlan. Cumberland Valley High School, Washinton, DC. 28 Aug 2012. 

- This source was useful because it shows how the application of props and costumes can make a performance really stand out. It allows the audience to experience the characters more other and makes it less of just someone speaking in front of a group of people. 

“Revolutionizing Revolutions: What Gandhi Taught Us About Political Defense.” By J. Holle, C. Isenhour, S. Matthew, L. Victor, C. Yaserbi. Dir(s). J. Holle, C. Isenhour, S. Matthew, L. Victor, C. Yaserbi. Constitution Center, Philadelphia, PA. 28 Aug 2012. 

- This source was useful because it shows how a group can optimize its members to ensure that even member has an equal part and important part. 

Murray, Bridget. "Teaching Students How to Learn." Teaching Students How to Learn. American Psychological Association, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- I used this source to help me understand how to better motivate and encourage students to pursue things like their education. This way I can help motivate them to purse and follow through on their NHD projects. 

White, Ann. "American Historical Association." Teaching High School History: The Power of the Personal. American Historical Association, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- I looked this source up because I felt that I should also do research into the profession I chose to pursue. Since the pursue of the capstone to help me understand teaching and instructing, I should also look up what it’s like to be a history teacher. 

Friedman, Bruce M. "Lyceum Books -- HOW TO TEACH EFFECTIVELY A Brief Guide." Lyceum Books -- HOW TO TEACH EFFECTIVELY A Brief Guide. Lyceum Books, Inc., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. 

-I used this to help me better understanding teaching on both a smaller and larger scale. This is useful for my capstone as well as being a teacher. 

Bradley, Cara, and Eric Green. "University of Regina." Centre for Teaching and Learning Teaching Effectively in Large Classes Comments. University of Regina: Centre for Teaching and Learning, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- I used this source to help me understand how to teach in larger classrooms. 

Lopez, Maritere, and Melissa Jordine. "World History Connected | Vol. 5 No. 3 | Maritere Lopez and Melissa Jordine: A Practical Compromise to Teaching World History: Thematic Bridges, Standards, and Technology." World History Connected | Vol. 5 No. 3 | Maritere Lopez and Melissa Jordine: A Practical Compromise to Teaching World History: Thematic Bridges, Standards, and Technology. World History Connected, n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- This source was helpful because it demonstrates very effective ways for a teacher to teach world history to a group of students. 

"Project-Based Learning." Edutopia. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- This source shows how project-based learning is a very effective way to teach students. 

"Project-Based Learning: Real-World Issues Motivate Students." Edutopia. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- This source also enforces how project learning motivates students to learn. 

"Measures of Effective Teaching (MET)." - Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- This resource shows different schools who are all taking measures towards effective education. 

"Effective Teaching." Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013.

- This resource shows different resources that are also taking measure towards effective education.