In this lesson plan,* students will learn how to conduct and listen to oral histories by understanding the significance of oral histories, learning the protocol for conducting oral histories, conducting an oral history, and utilizing writing and oral presentation skills.
*This series of oral history lessons was created by Curtis Odom, a graduate student Stephen F. Austin State University, as part of his thesis work for a Masters Degree in Public History.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
ยง113.32 United States History Studies Since Reconstruction
(C) Knowledge and skills.
(2) History. The student understands the political, economic, and social changes in the United States from 1877 to 1898. The student is expected to: (A) analyze political issues such as Indian policies, the growth of political machines, and civil service reform; (C) analyze social issues such as the treatment of minorities, child labor, growth of cities, and problems of immigrants.
(7) History. The student understands the impact of the American civil rights movement. The student is expected to: (D) identify changes in the United States that have resulted from the civil rights movement such as increased participation of minorities in the political process.
(18) Citizenship The student understands efforts to expand the democratic process. The student is expected to: (A) identify and analyze methods of expanding the right to participate in the democratic process, including lobbying, protesting, court decisions, and amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
(21) Culture The student understands how people from various groups, including racial, ethnic, and religious groups, adapt to life in the United States and contribute to our national identity, The student is expected to: (A) explain actions taken by people from racial, ethnic, and religious groups to expand economic opportunities and political rights in American society; (C) analyze how the contributions of people of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups have helped to shape the national identity.
(24) Social studies skills. The student applies critical-thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of sources including electronic technology. The student is expected to: (C) explain and apply different methods that historians use to interpret the past, including the use of primary and secondary sources, points of view, frames of reference, and historical context.
(25) Social studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms. The student is expected to: (A) use social studies terminology correctly; (B) use standard grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation; (D) create written, oral, and visual presentations of social studies information.
(26) Social studies skills. The student uses problem-solving and decision-making skills, working independently and with others, in a variety of settings. The student is expected to: (A) use a problem-solving process to identify a problem, gather information, list and consider options, consider advantages and disadvantages, choose and implement a solution, and evaluate the effectiveness of the solution.
