Prize Competitions

The WHA Teaching Prize

Printable version of the Teaching Prize information

PURPOSE: The World History Association is committed to working across all grade levels to maintain the use of current world history research in classroom practice.

THE SOURCES:Current historical research most frequently found in books and scholarly articles is a significant inspiration for our teaching. The WHA is committed to encouraging teachers at all levels to turn to substantive scholarship for content ideas. We are seeking lessons either inspired by or directly related to recent World History scholarship, including but not limited to pieces in the Journal of World History, published within the last ten years.

AWARD:The winning lesson will be published in the Fall WHA Bulletin. The designer of the winning lesson will receive a $750.00 cash award sponsored by Oxford University Press and recognition at the WHA Annual Meeting in June. Educators may have a letter announcing the award sent to their supervisors and local press. A one year membership in the WHA will also be included with each prize.

DEADLINE: E-mail your submission by MAY 1, 2012, to Jen Laden, Chair, Teaching Prize Committee, at murphyladen@aol.com. Submissions from all grade levels are welcome. All applicants must be members in good standing of the WHA.

Please note: Submissions for the Teaching Prize must be from current members of the WHA.

PAST WINNERS

World History Association Teaching Prize
Past Winners

2011: Michael A. Marcus, “Endless Cloth: Lessons from India for a Cross-Cultural Approach to World History,” Berlin High School (Retired), Berlin, Connecticut

2010: Suzanne Litrel, “Before the Opium Wars: Panel Discussion and Debate,” Bay Shore High School, Bay Shore, New York

2009: Daniel Greenstone, “Teaching the Axial Age Through a Biographical Comic Book of Buddha’s Life,” Oak Park and River Forest High School, Oak Park, Illinois

2008: Sharlene Sayegh, “The Logical Fallacies of Nationalism: Critical Thinking in the World-History Classroom,” Department of History, California State University, Long Beach

2007: Cedric Beidatsch, “Gateway to the Seventeenth Century: Dutch Shipwrecks on the West Australian Coast,” University of West Australia, Perth, Australia

2006: Maggie Favretti, “Bound by a Silver Chain: 1571,” Scarsdale High School, Scarsdale, New York

2005: Monica Bond-Lamberty, “Is There Really Something New Under the Sun?” James Madison Memorial High School, Madison, Wisconsin

2004: Michael A. Marcus, “Steppes to Civilization: Tracing the World History of ‘Global Systems’ Through Textiles and an Interdisciplinary Approach” Berlin   High School, Berlin, Connecticut

2003:
Co-winner: Jessica Young, “A World History Research Education Project Adaptable for Honors, Advanced Placement, or Collegiate World History Classes” Oak Park and River Forest High School, Oak Park, Illinois
Co-winner: Linda Black, “The Economic Role of Women in World History,” Cypress Falls High School, Houston, Texas

2002: Linda Karen Miller, “Japanese Colonialism in Korea 1910-1945” Fairfax High School, Fairfax, Virginia

 

So as to encourage new recipients, winners from anytime in the past three years, as well as committee members, are ineligible. All competitors must be members in good standing of the WHA.

These are suggestions to guide your thinking. Feel free to add to the prompt questions below.

  1. Brief introduction
    For whom is the lesson intended?
    What is the purpose of the lesson?
    How does it fit into your curriculum, or larger plan?
    What are the lesson's links to current research?
  2. Procedures for implementation
    What preparatory work is assigned?
    How does the lesson work? (procedure, number of sessions, etc.)
    How do you know that students have "gotten it?"
  3. Conclusion
    Reflections on how it went in your class?
    (Student work and/or student reflections are encouraged)
    How might you adapt it to more advanced or lower level students?
    What other possible conceptual links do you see?

Possible Appendices:

1. Appendix of relevant handouts or supporting materials used
2. Annotated list of available resources for students and teachers