A new approach to teaching civics

League members are invited to join area teachers, students and administrative staff on March 19 to learn about the Harvard Case Study method of teaching civics—by participating in it yourself!

This highly effective approach to learning, developed at Harvard University, calls for actively engaging students. They prepare by learning about a real event—one of a series of pivotal historical moments in American history—and then debate one another. Survey results after using the Harvard Case Study method show significantly increased interest in voting, political engagement and constructive debate.

The case study chosen for this demonstration asks participants:

What would you have done in 1965 if you were standing in the shoes of Martin Luther King in Selma?

You will join in a discussion about this pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. Through the process, you will understand that history is a series of decisions: nothing is a foregone conclusion; nothing is inevitable.

Participants will be expected to read and prepare the case study (about 30 pages) in advance.

The discussion will be led by civics teachers Rebecca Wilinski (Ypsilanti) and Laura Lutz (Chelsea) who were trained at Harvard last summer.

March 19, 2020,  6:00 – 8:00 pm

• Light Dinner  6:00 – 6:30 pm
• Gathering  6:30 pm
• Program  6:45 – 8:00 pm

 Space is limited. To attend you must RSVP by March 5 to  WISD.  Program details and case study information will be provided in early March.