Connecticut Students Explore Communication Throughout History as Part of Connecticut History Day

CONNECTICUT STUDENTS EXPLORE COMMUNICATION THROUGHOUT HISTORY

Hartford, Conn. – Middle and high school students across the state are stepping up to the challenge of understanding the role of communication in history for the 2021 Connecticut History Day Regional Contests. Guided by dedicated teachers, students choose to choose a topic, conduct research, and write a paper, make an exhibit, do a performance, build a website, or create a documentary. As they prepare to enter their work in a competition, they learn more than just historical facts – they become better students and citizens.

Connecticut History Day is a year-long academic program focused on historical research, interpretation, and creative expression. Normally, more than 4,000 Connecticut students participate annually. Working alone or in groups, students conduct in-depth research, analyze sources, practice new skills, and hone their existing skills. The program brings students together with historians, historical societies, museums, colleges and universities as they dive in and explore topics related to an annual theme.

The 2020-2021 theme could not be more relevant or important: Communication in History: The Key to Understanding as society has had to readjust the way people interact and communicate in a worldwide pandemic. Students are exploring a variety of topics that touch on this theme  from the development of sign language to inventions that changed the way we communicate. Through their research, students develop tools to help them assess bias in sources and view a topic from multiple perspectives

John Smith-Horn, teacher and Coordinator of the Gifted & Talented program and Connecticut History Day at Timothy Edwards Middle School in South Windsor remarked on the timeliness of the theme. “This year, more than ever, students need to communicate in new and different ways to gain deeper understandings about history,” he said.

“Despite the virtual and time challenges, we have been impressed so far with the work of our students and the connections they are making with this year’s theme,” said Jean Molloy, Social Studies Resource Teacher at Irving Robbins Middle School in Farmington.

Connecticut History Day teaches students critical thinking skills as well as the importance of responsible research, media literacy, teamwork, leadership, time management, and more, all in a fun, project-learning based framework. This type of learning doesn’t require a classroom; it can be done anywhere – which makes CHD even better suited for distance learning and hybrid classrooms today than many other extracurricular activities.

“This year I have the largest group of History Day participants ever with approximately 30 student participants,” Smith-Horn said. “I think many students are seeking out enrichment opportunities that are student-centered.”

“This theme seems to lend itself well to original research,” said Molloy.  “Many of them have chosen popular local topics but the theme is pushing them to draw their own conclusions and narrow the focus of their research. As a result, students are developing stronger critical thinking skills and doing the work of real historians.”

An independent study from 2011 found that participation in the National History Day program benefits students far beyond the competition. National History Day is a transformative experience for students.  Students who participate in CHD learn critical thinking, writing, and research skills and see a boost in performance across all subjects. Students can take what they learn from participating in CHD and apply it in their classes, extra-curricular activities, and personal lives.

Normally, contests are held at host schools in each region, with the top projects moving on to the state level. Things changed last year however when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, forcing schools, teachers, students, and the staff that coordinate CHD to adapt to the situation. After the first two regional contests were held in-person, the rest were done virtually. This year all contests will be held virtually.

Connecticut History Day is coordinated by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. An affiliate program of National History Day, CHD promotes the study of history in schools – including public, private, and home schools – to create a higher degree of appreciation for the value of historical thought in students, educators, and community members who participate. CHD creates college and career-ready citizens of the future by engaging students in rigorous, inquiry-based academic research projects.

CHD conforms to the College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies Connecticut State Standards and Connecticut’s new Social Studies Frameworks.

CHD is presented with major funding and partnership support from CT Humanities. Program support is given by the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area and the New Haven Museum. Follow Connecticut History Day on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and visit the program’s website at histordayct.org.

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