All posts by bradburenheide

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About bradburenheide

I'm an Associate Professor at Kansas State University's College of Education. Currently I am the program coordinator for secondary social studies education. My research interests include instructional gaming, history education, and creative pedagogy.

The 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg

As I will not be scheduled to post again prior to the actual anniversary, I felt it appropriate to blog about one of my favorite topics of study.  I still remember my high school history teacher describing the Battle of Gettysburg as the “-est” battle of the American Civil War.

Gettysburg_national_cemetery_img_4164-2

The “biggest,” the “bloodiest,” and had the “greatest impact” upon the history of America.  While this statement is contentious it is significant to remember this event for a variety of reasons that I think is important to make sure our students know about the battle, and the Civil War in general. Continue reading The 150th Anniversary of Gettysburg →

Stoking the Element!

Brad Burenheide, historical thinking, standards, , , , ,
Cover of "The Element: How Finding Your P...
Cover via Amazon

A few years back, I was intrigued by the TED talk given by Sir Ken Robinson entitled Schools Kill Creativity.  I subsequently read the book The Element and was thoroughly pleased when KSU brought him to campus for a talk.  As a bit of a reflection and exercise in recharging my mental batteries, last week I reviewed the talk, the book, and my notes from his presentation and have mixed feelings.

Continue reading Stoking the Element! →

Summertime Professional Development . . . sort of!

Brad Burenheide, websites, ,

I always set a goal for myself to begin working on improving some part of my professional knowledge with the goal of either writing a new article or a curriculum piece by the end of the summer.  My usual elaborate plan typically involves reviewing the key literature and updating my research base in June, then reading new works and ideas in July, and finishing writing in August.

Even when I was in the secondary classroom, my summer would be focused on rereading books I had encountered to glean additional information and picking out two or three new sources of information (invariably, it would be on the American Civil War.  However, I want my experience to be invigorating and stimulating, not dull and monotonous.  Dare I say, I even wanted it to be entertaining. Continue reading Summertime Professional Development . . . sort of! →

Professional Learning Opportunity

Brad Burenheide, professional development, ,

KCSS Board Member Dan Krutka sends word of the following professional development opportunity.

Dear Kansas social studies educators,

Please consider attending the first EdCamp (more info) in the state of Kansas on August 3rd at Wichita State University. This FREE unconference will allow you to learn from, and collaborate with, teachers from the entire state of Kansas. Sessions are determined on the morning of the event so bring your best ideas and resources with you to the conference.

Here’s what you need to know about EdCampKS:

What: EdCampKS is a FREE unconference devoted to K-12 issues and ideas and led by K-12 educators. All educators are welcome.
When: August 3rd, 2013 from 8am-4pm
Where: Corbin Education Center at Wichita State University (off 21st Street)
How: You can register for free right now!

More information? edcampKS.blogspot.com

Please direct any questions to dan.krutka@wichita.edu. We hope to see you at Wichita State on August 3rd!

A Lesson in Our Republic

Brad Burenheide, speech, , ,

This is my first “official” post as a contributor to the Doing Social Studies blog.  As I type it, I’m sitting in the lobby of a hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana.  But a block from where I am sitting, President-Elect Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in February, 1861 on his way to the White House.  A nice historical marker gives the location of the speech and quotes a line from the speech which I would like to share with you.

In all trying positions in which I shall be placed, and, doubtless, I shall be placed in many such, my reliance will be placed upon you and the people of the United States; and I wish you to remember, now and forever, that it is your business, and not mine; that if the union of these States, and the liberties of this people shall be lost, it is but little to any one man of 52 years of age, but a great deal to the thirty millions of people who inhabit these United States, and to their posterity in all coming time. It is your business to rise up and preserve the Union, and liberty for yourselves, and not for me.

What an amazing defense of what we do in teaching the social studies.   Continue reading A Lesson in Our Republic →