Why is Global History II a Graduation Requirement?
Global History II is one of the most beneficial classes I have taken. Looking at the Madison Public Schools' website, there is a section that explains the goals for student growth and development in 21st century skills. The main categories include critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration/communication, self direction, and global thinking. While the district strives for all classes to teach students to grow in these areas, it does not happen everywhere. The way some classes are structured prohibits students from working on these skills. Mr. Mastroianni's Global History II class stands out from others that lack in some of these areas as it teaches students to grow across the board.
Throughout most of the class, we are taught about a subject or time period through powerpoints, discussions, and videos. Then our thinking is pushed to the next level as we must create a project to analyze and synthesize our ideas into a creative and unique demonstration of our knowledge. As I assume for most, this class setup was outside of my comfort zone. In the past, I was used to a history class filled with note taking and memorizing for a test, to then forget the information. Like I said in another section, I wasn't really challenged in school prior to this year. I am the type of person who normally likes a routine and directions that allow me to guarantee I am doing something right. When given freedoms and not a strict "right or wrong" answer, I was able to grow as a student for once through creative and critical thinking.
The many class and group projects through the year teaches students collaboration and communication skills. There is more responsibility put on students outside of the classroom to work together when making a product. The organization required to ensure the group's success is a skill needed even after we graduate. An important part of high school is the preparation students gain for life once they leave the doors of Daniel Hand. Oftentimes, select students must lead a group or part of a group through a task. They are responsible for not only their work but the work completed by the group and must guide and help others. This is also an important life skill because many jobs involve working or even managing other people and when given opportunities like this, students can experiment effective ways to be a leader. This new role of a leader put responsibility on the student for self direction, versus the teacher instructing every move the class makes.
The knowledge gained from Global History II encourages students to look at the world from multiple perspectives. As we learned in English class, you shouldn't look for only a single story. Looking at history and events from all sides to see the many stories gives us an accurate representation of what actually happens, teaching us to understand accept other cultures. Many projects this year involved us showing the different sides and perspectives to a time, for example the Cold War era. When we see not just the single story, we become more beneficial citizens in society and help build a generation of globally thinking people.