Looking
of interesting ways to engage students in examining a time period as the end of
the year approaches? Consider historical narratives as a way to develop an
understanding a time period. The modern historical narrative has moved beyond
the book to include movies, documentaries, and games. Each format offers the
viewer a look into another historical period. Use the steps below to use examinations of
computer games as historical narratives in your history class.
Step
1: Define historical narrative.
Historical narratives blend
historical facts with fictional people, places and details. Key elements of
historical narratives include the focus of one individual’s point of view,
accurate historical elements, and chronological organization.
Step
2: Use a model narrative to explore the historical examination process.
Select
key moments in a historical narrative. Provide opportunities to students to connect
elements from historical narrative to historical period.
· What
historical event is linked to the narrative?
· How
does the narrative help to illustrate the significance of historical event?
Step
3: Provide opportunity for students to play games.
Possible Games:
Jamestown Adventure
Fling the Teacher-World War II
Step
4: Task students with independent analysis.
Sample Tasks:
Directions- Play games
related to the subject you have studied this year from the list provided. Respond
to the questions below.
Name of Game:
What is the historical context of the game?
What
role do you play? What is the goal?
How
do you know if you were successful?
What
features of the game did you enjoy?
What
historical event that you studied was a part of the game?
What
key terms that you used this year were illustrated by the game? Provide two
examples.
Did
the game emphasize the significance of the event? Explain.
Can
this game be described as a historical narrative? Use the rubric below to
assist you in your determination.
Historical
Narrative Rubric
|
||
Are
events presented in chronological order?
|
Yes
|
No
|
Are
accurate historical elements included in the work?
|
Yes
|
No
|
Does
the work blend fictional elements with historical fact?
|
Yes
|
No
|
Overall Summary:
Step
5: Choose an extension activity.
Sample Extension Activities:
· Critiquing
Historical Narratives
· Game
Reviews and Recommendations
· Writing
Historical Narratives
