What's Next, Alabama? Place-based, Deliberative Learning in the Classroom

This workshop, supported by a grant from Alabama’s Bicentennial Commission, will equip educators to incorporate place-based learning and deliberation into their curriculum to enhance students' content knowledge and comprehension of Alabama’s unique history. Participating educators will receive tools and resources to facilitate engaging classroom deliberations that highlight Alabama's diverse people and cultures, and engage students in sharing how their own experiences influence their connection with our state’s past, present, and future.

The workshops will utilize the David Mathew’s Centers free place-based issue guides which cover content such as Alabama’s economy, Alabama’s Civil Rights Movement, and the Creek War of 1812.

FAQs

Will I receive reimbursement to cover substitute teacher pay?

Yes, you will receive $50 to cover substitute pay. A reimbursement form will be included in your registration confirmation. Reimbursement checks will be mailed immediately following the workshop.

Will lunch be provided?

Yes, lunch will be provided free of charge.

Will I receive professional development hours for attending?

Yes, Continuing Education Units will be awarded for participation in this workshop. Chalkable codes will be distributed at the end of each workshop.

Who is this workshop appropriate for?

Deliberation can be used across many grade levels and content areas, however, the content in this workshop is geared towards 9th through 12th grade social studies classroom educators and those who work closely with them to develop curriculum and resources. Librarians and technology specialists are also encouraged to attend.

What is deliberation?

Deliberation is the process of weighing multiple approaches to an issue and the benefits and tradeoffs of each approach while considering how others may respond to and be affected by each approach. The goal of deliberation is to explore different options, test ideas, consider the gray area, and find common ground.

What will this workshop teach me?

This workshop, supported by a grant from Alabama’s Bicentennial Commission, will equip educators to incorporate place-based learning and deliberation into their curriculum that enhances students' content knowledge and comprehension of Alabama’s unique history. Participating educators will receive the tools and resources that will allow them to facilitate engaging classroom deliberations which highlight Alabama's diverse people and cultures, and engage students in sharing how their own experiences influence their connection with our state’s past, present, and future.

How can these skills enhance my classroom?

Deliberating on historical events and social issues encourages students to consider both the decision making that influenced our nation’s history, as well as the decision making that will influence our nation’s future. With multiple approaches and actions, the process calls for students to be detail-oriented as they simulate historical events as real-time actors. Not only does the process encourage a more nuanced understanding of specific events and issues, it cultivates many transferable skills including collaboration and problem-solving, which are necessary for students to master as they become civic actors in their community, state, and nation.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Contact Gabrielle Lamplugh, David Mathews Center Assistant Program Director, at glamplugh@mathewscenter.org with any questions. or, call the DMC office at (205) 665-9005. Visit www.mathewscenter.org/wnalworkshops for more information.