World Culture is an Integral Part of Learning About Another Language
This is an assignment for 1st or 2nd year students of Latin who are in high school in grades 11 or 12. This project revolves around culture as it is an integral part of the study of any world language. The Romans are known for their great works of architecture and engineering. Some of these are the amphitheaters, temples, baths, aqueducts, military camps, streets, to list just a few. Detailed description of the assignment: Two students work together to research a Roman architectural or engineering structure of their choice. They have to put together an illustration on a poster and present their research to the class on a pre-assigned date. The presentation should last about 10 minutes. Students are strongly encouraged to wear historical attire. If applicable, they may supplement their poster display with visuals and artifacts.. The research should include some historical data and location, facts about the structure itself (size, materials, etc.), pictures of the structure, its usage and any other interesting piece of information. Students also should find an equivalent structure in modern times, compare and contrast as well as discuss possible influences. Presenters should be willing to answer questions from the audience following their presentation. In order to keep class focused, the presentation is followed by a short quiz put together by the presenters. After all students have given their presentation, everyone should brain storm if and what these structures might tell about the culture and society of the time when the structures were built. Weather and other factors are taking their toll on these often over 2000 year old structures. Students will brain storm whether these structures are relevant for the present time and if they should be preserved or not. If yes, how far should preservation and/or restoration go?
Issues this Best Practice Addresses:
This project will result in a poster presentation. The students will present it and discuss it in class. At the completion of all projects, they are displayed in the school hallways for all students and faculty to see.
Major Challenges to Implementation:
Students choose their partners. At times cooperating with each other and dividing the workload is a challenge. Time management and being ready for the presentation on the agreed date is often a challenge. To find information should not be a challenge but to arrange it on a poster in an attractive and informative way might pose a challenge to some students. In most cases, finding a modern corresponding structure should not be a challenge. Staying focused on the presentation and keeping it interesting and stimulating might be a challenge.
Benefits Derived from Implementing this Best Practice:
This project helps students to work on cooperation and time management. It gives students a chance to be creative in the way they display their information. Dressing up in a historical costume is usually a fun experience. This project is an additional and different type of assessment as at times, tests and quizzes are not a sufficient measure of students’ abilities. This project is 10% of students’ semester grade. Usually students do well and their grade improves. The whole class benefits from the research of each group of presenters. The posters will be on display in the classroom at least for the semester and can be revisited. Others can view the posters and learn from them especially if teachers of different subjects share a classroom. There is also a chance to display the posters in other parts of the school building.
Evidence Illustrating Success:
The poster and the presentation in cooperation with a classmate give students a sense of achievement. Being able to share a product with peers is an accomplishment. Beyond the immediate project, students get a broader knowledge of history and architecture and can successfully use this knowledge in other subject areas.
Additional Materials:
Click here for the poster rubric
Submitted by: Gisland Pentecost, Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics and Humanities