NAME:
Laurie G. Kroll
SCHOOL:
Weehawken High School, NJ
CLASS:
US History 1 & 2, Gen, Hon and AP; Perspectives on Politics; Financial Literacy
SCHOOL PHONE:
201-422-6130
BA-Gettysburg College, Economics and Management
MBA- Pace University- Taxation
Did you know that Mrs. Kroll is also a Professor of Ikenobo Ikebana?
Historical study serves at least three important functions:
1. To endow students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate
effectively in public affairs;
2. To prepare students for the world of work;
3. To enrich students’ lives by fostering personal morale, dignity, and a
commitment to others.
A society without a collective memory of its past cannot make informed
decisions about its future. Historical study teaches students to take a “long
view” of the problems that plague our society and the world, and to arrive at
a more sophisticated understanding of the means by which such problems might
be solved. In a democratic society, such as the United States of America,
governmental efficiency depends in large part on the ability of citizens to
weigh policy options against the experience of the past. Historical study
also provides students with knowledge and skills that are indispensable in the
workplace. Careers such as journalism, law, politics, international affairs,
and business require some level of historical knowledge. Historical thinking
skills, such as the ability to use a variety of data sources to form
conclusions, are also applicable to the modern workplace, where employers now
seek individuals who can engage in systematic modes of thinking.
Perhaps the most important function of historical study is the enrichment of
the students’ understanding of the present in light of the past. History
presents the compelling story of the human experience and provides students
with many opportunities to identify with the struggles of past peoples.
History enables students to see their place in the flow of time, their
connection to the past, and their responsibility to future generations. This
sense of belonging promotes personal morale, integrity, and dignity-qualities
that contribute to productive work and responsible citizenship.
In New Jersey, high school students begin a more intensive study of history,
practicing and learning to use the six cognitive skills referenced. All
students must complete a legally required two-year course in United States and
New Jersey History, including African-American history (NJSA 18A:35-12).
1. Learning Chronological Thinking:
2. Developing Historical Comprehension:
3. Learning to Do Historical Analysis and Interpretation:
4. Developing Historical Research Capabilities:
5. Developing the Capacity for Empathic Thinking:
6. Learning to Analyze Historical Issues and Decision-Making:
Students develop these abilities through guided reading and discussion in the
classroom and through research using the library media center and online
resources. In addition to developing students’ thinking skills, a quality
history education also provides students with a solid base of content
knowledge to interpret the past.
Within the context of an Advanced Placement United States History course, the
ultimate goal for the teacher is to provide students with the opportunities to
obtain the skills necessary to not only succeed on the AP US History Exam,
but also outside of the educational arena. In an effort to present students
with a level of work and situations they will encounter upon leaving high
school, the advanced placement course requires students to take on the
responsibility of completing a demanding curriculum which will focus on
strengthening analytical thinking skills, synthesis of information, and
writing skills. As a result, as teacher and guide, I plan to engage students
with thought-provoking lessons that will include document analysis and
simulations, and a variety of other methods. These “lessons” seek to allow
students to use their higher-order thinking skills. The growth of these
skills will prepare students in the APUSH 2 class for the AP Exam in May 2010
or the students in the US History 1-Honors class for the AP Exam in May of
2011, as well as the curriculum they will see when progressing through their
education and lastly, life outside of school.