If you closed your eyes and listened, you might think this U.S. History class at Richards High School took place on a leafy Big Ten campus. It's that rich in discussion and analysis of Reconstruction.
Teacher Joyce Cruse designed the “jigsaw” seminar for her A.P. U.S. History classes. Cruse altered the typical jigsaw strategy to infuse elements of a Socratic seminar in which students serve as both teachers and learners.
The experience not only illustrated an evolutionary approach to helping students think critically, it underscored the customary excellence that Cruse brings to Richards each day. This is the second of a four-part series on Cruse and her students.
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Cruse recently completed the arduous process of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher from the National Board from Professional Teaching Standards.
