Unlike the chapters we have uncovered this far, Chapter 11 of Loewen's book focuses on the end of the textbook. Loewen makes several points about the sugar-coating of the end of a textbook and how most textbooks end is way too positive. He discusses that students leave the course with a false sense of hope and students leave believing that we have learned all of the mistakes and troubles of the past up until now, and since this last chapter is on the positive future, that means everything is going to be okay! Students need to be aware of the constant struggles Americans and the rest of the world face every single day, and even though we have made progress since the beginning of history that does not mean history can not repeat itself. Textbooks need to have progress incorporated, but also incorporate the negatives. There is climate change, poverty, crime, inequality, war, disease, and terrorism that affects lives globally today and will affect lives in the future, and students should be aware of it. On the other hand there needs to be plenty of optimism and progress incorporated such as technological advances or continuous human rights improvements. Students will be able to see a positive future but also understand to get there we must face challenges.
One of my favorite shows is the Newsroom, and this video sparked social media and my interest. Though it is a fictional show the main character brings out a lot of emotion with the audience. Check the link out below!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMqcLUqYqrs
Big Question: What is a great lesson plan idea to end the course/textbook with?
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