How to use History Labs with Bruce Lesh

In this episode we are joined by Bruce Lesh, author of "Why Won't You Just Tell Us the Answer? Teaching Historical Thinking in Grades 7-12", to talk all about how to use history labs in the classroom.

Bruce shares form his years of experience on why history labs engage and excite students by making students much more active in the learning process. Dan and Caitlin share how they have used labs in their classes and why they love them. Together, we did some trouble shooting of the common problems that can happen with inquiry lessons, what separates a DBQ from a 'history lab,' and why labs can generate more authentic learning that the standard DBQ. 

Bruce also shares several alternative assignments to go with history labs instead of the common 5 paragraph essay used for the DBQ- ones that are much more student and teacher friendly, while not sacrificing the skill-building in the process.  But if we are going to change the way we teach, we also need to change the way we access to focus more on those historical thinking skills. 

Bruce has a new book coming out in 2023 building on the ideas of his last book that you should definitely stay tuned for!

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Thanks and gig 'em,
-Caitlin & Dan