By Mr. Thomas Narducci, Middle School Social Studies Teacher
作者：MVA初中部社会研究学课程老师Thomas Narducci
In Mr. Narducci’s eighth-grade social studies class, students are delving into history in a dynamic and modern way – through podcasting. This innovative project not only engages students with the rich tapestry of American history but also equips them with valuable skills for the future.
在Narducci老师的八年级社会研究课上，学生们正以一种充满活力的现代方式即通过播客来深入研究历史。这个创新的项目不仅让学生了解美国历史的丰富多彩，而且还为他们的未来提供了宝贵的技能。
Throughout the third quarter, students have been immersed in various topics, from the complexities of poverty in America to the transformative movements of the Great Society. They’ve explored the waves of immigration that shaped the nation in the 19th and 20th centuries, delved into human rights struggles, and examined pivotal moments in civil rights and women’s rights movements.
在整个第三季度，学生们沉浸在各种各样的主题中，从美国贫困的复杂性到“伟大社会”的变革运动。他们探索了19世纪和20世纪影响美国的移民浪潮，深入研究了人权斗争，研究了民权和女权运动的关键历史时刻。
The task assigned to these budding historians was multifaceted: research, write, record, and edit a podcast episode focusing on a topic from the curriculum. Each episode was to present a blend of historical context and contemporary relevance, highlighting both the challenges and accomplishments woven into America’s narrative.
One distinguishing feature of these podcasts is the inclusion of live interviews with guests possessing expertise and unique perspectives on the chosen topic.
分配给这些崭露头角的历史学家们的任务是多方面的: 研究、写作、记录和编辑以课程主题为中心的播客。每一集都融合了历史背景和当代意义，突出了美国叙事中的挑战和成就。这些播客的一个显著特点还包含对所选主题具有专业知识和独特观点的嘉宾现场采访。
To prepare for this aspect, students were privileged to hear from experienced podcasters, including Katia Lindor, the host of the “Un-a-parent” podcast. Ms. Lindor shared insights into the art of podcasting, offering tips on crafting compelling narratives, conducting engaging interviews, and leveraging technology to enhance storytelling. This not only adds depth to the discussion but also provides students with firsthand exposure to diverse viewpoints, enhancing their understanding of complex issues.
为了准备这方面的内容，学生们有幸听取了经验丰富的播客主持人的意见，其中包括“Un-a-parent” 播客的主持人Katia Lindor的建议。Lindor分享了她对播客艺术的见解，提供了一些关于制作引人入胜的叙事、进行令人愉快的采访以及利用技术增强叙事的技巧。这不仅增加了讨论的深度，而且为学生提供了第一手的不同观点，增强了他们对复杂问题的理解。
But the project isn’t merely about recounting the past – it’s about honing essential skills for the future. Through podcasting, students practice communication, collaboration, technology literacy, and public speaking. These are the very skills that are in high demand in today’s world, regardless of one’s chosen career path. Mr. Narducci’s emphasis on real-world, scenario-based learning ensures that students are not just memorizing facts but applying knowledge in practical ways. By integrating podcasting into the curriculum, students learn to craft compelling narratives, engage with different mediums, and present their findings to a broader audience. “It is my hope that students never ask themselves, ‘When am I ever going to use this?!’ and that they understand what we offer them now has value for later.
但这个项目不仅仅是讲述过去，它是为了磨练未来的基本技能。通过播客，学生们可以练习沟通、协作、技术素养和公开演讲。无论你选择什么样的职业道路，这些都是当今世界非常需要的技能。Narducci老师强调现实世界中基于情景的学习，这确保了学生不仅要记住事实，还要以实际的方式应用知识。通过将播客融入课程，学生们学会了制作引人入胜的叙事，接触不同的媒介，并向更广泛的观众展示他们的发现。“我希望学生们永远不要问自己，‘我什么时候才能使用这个？’他们明白我们现在为他们提供的东西对以后有价值。
Moreover, this project isn’t confined to the classroom. At the end of the year, students will showcase their podcasts as part of their e-portfolio website, demonstrating their ability to produce high-quality content and apply their skills in a real-world context. In Mr. Narducci’s class, history comes alive through the power of storytelling. As students weave together the threads of the past, they’re not only gaining a deeper understanding of American history but also preparing themselves for success in the digital age.
此外，这个项目并不局限于课堂。在年底，学生们将展示他们的播客，作为他们的电子作品集网站的一部分，展示他们制作高质量内容和在现实世界中应用技能的能力。在Narducci老师的课堂上，历史通过讲故事的力量变得生动鲜活起来。当学生们将过去的线索编织在一起时，他们不仅对美国历史有了更深入的了解，而且还为自己在数字时代的成功做好了准备。