Professor David Lott and his English Language Academic Reading II (ELAR 980) featured the theme “Democratic or Authoritarian?” in its course content as an authentic, relevant context for improving the reading skills of students whose first language is not English. Student visits to exhibitions at the Smithsonian’s American History Museum enriched the classroom learning experience through examination of artifacts and historical interpretations related to the course theme. In all, the impact of the museum on student engagement with class material was profound, as the exhibitions connected students to past lives and historical events that would not have been as accessible in the classroom alone. Watch more from the Smithsonian Faculty Fellowship 2018 here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list= PL32wEiPova8LYnuWmgTxPK26RYw9O1MS2 The Montgomery College-Smithsonian Faculty Fellowship is the signature program of the Paul Peck Humanities Institute at Montgomery College, a community college located in suburban Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C. Since 1998, more than 180 faculty have completed the fellowship—integrating theme-based learning and museum visits into their courses. The program has spurred more than 20,000 visits to the Smithsonian as MC students and their guests travel to various Smithsonian museums, programs and events.
Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:22:41