Correcting Blind Patriotism In Classrooms Sabeeha Quader TE 301

Testing Knowledge 1. What American President publicly stated, "I have no purpose to introduce political and social equality between the white and black races. There is a physical difference between the two which... will probably forever forbid their living together, … and I am in favor of the race to which I belong having the superior position.” A. Jefferson; B. Lincoln; C. T. Roosevelt; D. JFK

Testing Knowledge 2. Who were the first "pilgrims" (escaping religious persecution in Europe) in what is now the United States? A. Puritans B. Jews C. Catholics D. Hindus

Testing Knowledge 3. What western hemisphere people were quick to aid George Washington's forces in the American Revolution? A. Haitians B. Native Americans C. Canadians D. Mexicans

Testing Knowledge 4. Which one statement about Christopher Columbus is true? A. Most of his compatriots, like the scholars of that time, thought the world was flat. B. He died never knowing he had "discovered" a new continent. C. He and his men massacred and enslaved the Caribbean Indians. D. He died alone and penniless.

Traditional Historical Instruction History instruction dominated by textbook Textbooks filled with mixed messages to promote inquiry and indoctrinate blind patriotism Bland optimism included, conflict and suspense excluded Perfect Heroes – The “Disney Version” of History

Problems with History Textbooks Textbooks suggest history only involves learning a series of unconnected facts –Thus hiding what history really is –Gives textbooks more God-like tone than the Bible Current books tend to glorify U.S. figures, and America itself as a hero –Blemishes concealed –America the “International Good Guy”

Effects of Crooked Books By suppressing historical information, teachers and authors limit the power, judgment, and wisdom of the citizens. Presently the US has the largest gap in the world between actual history (what historians know) and what the public knows. History is the only field in which the more courses a student takes, the stupider they become

Why do teachers continue to teach this way? Teachers lacking experience managing controversy worry they will not be able to control the students or survive a community resistant to change. Teaching the way one was taught is a comfortable habit for teachers to sink into. Teachers are hesitant to teach open-endedly –Fear of losing control of the class –Classrooms become monotonous and unadventurous

Historical Perspective Professional Historical Organizations urged not to tell history as facts –The American Historical Association 1893 call to “stir up the minds of the pupils” –Historians in 1934 urged to avoid stressing dates, names, and specific events –Despite exhortations teachers continued to present facts for students to memorize

What Can Be Done? Use Inquiry Textbooks rather than relying on rote-learning Compare information from two very different textbooks Cover fewer topics to allow time to delve into historical controversies

Sources Deley, David W. Why American History is Boring. Website. Retrieved from http//:members.cox.net/srice1/profdeley/history.html. Date Retrieved 6/5/03 Loewen, James W. Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1995). Loewen, James W. Something Has Gone Very Wrong…Homepage of James W. Loewen. Website. Retrieved from http//: Date Retrieved 6/5/03