In my IDC4U course at – also known as “The Headlines of History” – we are studying the major events of the 16th century: the rise of Protestantism, Imperialism, Colonialism, and Militarism, among others.
During our pre-assessment seminars, four of my Gr. 12 students came forward with an exciting enthusiasm for military strategy and technological development. I felt that, with this much enthusiasm and pre-knowledge, we had to go deeper.
I connected these four students with a 16th Century military and political expert, Scott McIntyre. He has conferenced twice in person with these four, and is also corresponding via e-mail to act as a consultant to their project and a resource. He has his Masters in War Studies from University College London, King’s College, Department of War Studies.
Now, Dave Bigauskas, Samuel Kary, Thomas Lute, and James Madell have just completed their project: the ultimate Imperial Empire for the 16th century. A specially customized project made specifically for their interests in the military history of the 1600′s, they brainstormed and researched, and under the guidance of the expert, McIntyre, developed the project parameters and evaluation on their own. They decided to build the ultimate imperial power, based on the countries of the time. For example, they took the best lessons learned from Spain and France, as well as the mistakes of the Germans at that time to design and situate their country, their foreign policy, tax structure and domestic policy.
Combining their interests and knowledge, they are rewriting history. It’s an exciting parallel stream that is adding to the dynamics and knowledge of the classroom.
I asked them, what is it like to work with an expert?
“I really liked working with an expert, especially someone so knowledgeable, because it is like having live Google … but it cuts out all the fat and gives you the in-depth answers you are looking for,” James said.
“He lent us his vast knowledge on the history of almost every European empire that ever existed. He helped us cut down to the simplest explanations of the strengths and weaknesses of these empires,” added Thomas.
[Garth Nichols is the Instructional Leader of Canada and World Studies at Greenwood College School.]
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