CSI London - Year 9 History

I am often inspired during my Learning Walks and classroom visits, when I see other Middle School teachers doing creative things with their adolescent students.

Just recently, I joined a Year 9 History class who was learning about living conditions in England during the Industrial Revolution.

To engage the students in this often 'dull' topic, the teacher had set up the classroom as a crime scene, exhibiting primary and secondary sources of information on the walls, as clues for the students to use to solve the crime of how "Elizabeth" had died.

In investigative teams, the students gleaned information from the sources, discussed the relevance and reliability of the information, and put together their case to explain how "Elizabeth" had died.

The chief agent from each investigative group then presented their case to the inquest judge, using the evidence to support their case.

This 100-minute lesson implemented many of the signifying pedagogical practices of middle schooling - higher order thinking strategies (analysis, evaluation, justification), integrated and interdisciplinary curricula (Humanities, English and Science), cooperative learning, flexible student grouping, authentic and reflective assessment, and maintained student engagement for the duration.

What a great lesson to observe and be involved in!