1. HISTORICAL THINKING And Other Unnatural Acts

2. What is historical thinking? CHANGE OVER TIME The Meaning imparted by the CONTEXT in which events take place The CONTINGENT nature of the relationships of information CAUSATION COMPLEXITY

3. What is historical thinking? Understanding the nature of historical sources Primary vs. Secondary sources Interrogating the sources Relative strengths and weaknesses of sources Use of historical sources in the framing of historical analysis and interpretation. The ability to communicate the understanding of the past in well-organized essays.

4. Method History 101 Historical Thinking The Content Focus Broad survey: US, World, Western Civilization, East Asia, Latin America 300 level-content History 480/81: Research and Methods Limitations: Pilot Project 2 Sections of History 101 totaling 38 students 1 Section of History 481 with 9 students

5. History 101: The Real Mutiny on the Bounty Learning ObjectivesMasteryStrengthMet Expecta- tions Needs Work Understands the nature of change over time 1711100 Understands the distinction between primary and secondary sources 17764 Able to read and understand source materials 615134 Knows course content and place it historical context 121367 Uses content and sources effectively in historical analysis 96176 Writes well-organized, clear essays 99155

6. History 101 Assessments Beginning students have virtually no difficulty understanding basic concepts: change over time, primary and secondary sources. Students have little difficulty with attributes of recall Use of content and sources: 23 or 38 met expectations or lower Development of essays: 20 of 38.

7. History 481: Native New England Learning ObjectivesMasteryStrengthMet Expecta- tions Needs Work Understands the nature of change over time 5130 Understands the distinction between primary and secondary sources 6021 Able to read and understand source materials 5121 Knows course content and place it historical context 3330 Uses content and sources effectively in historical analysis 2322 Writes well-organized, clear essays 1512

8. External Validation

9. Next Steps Continued Discussion regarding rubrics for assessment Departmental Retreat More Extensive Data Collection Other History 101 and 400 level courses Coordinate Expectations for 200 and 300 level courses Devise sampling technique for 200 and 300 level courses for interim assessments Integrate means of assessing introduction of new minimum writing requirements across major curriculum