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Now divide the class into groups of four, and have each group select an African nation to investigate. Explain that each group will be creating a poster on its country. The poster should be divided into four sections, with a small map of the country (with the capital labeled) in the center. The group will be responsible for creating the map, but each member of the group will provide information for each of the four sections:
Name origin and information
Colonization information
Current data and statistics
Significant historical events
Each student should research the information for his or her section and complete the poster. Use the evaluation rubric to clarify your expectations before the students begin working.
Discuss and define some of the factors involved in colonization. Why do people colonize other places?
2.
Throughout history, colonization has had both positive and negative effects. Consider and discuss these in light of the countries you have studied.
What are some of the problems that could arise for a country after it achieves independence? What are some of the consequences and responsibilities resulting from independence?
What should the role of the United Nations be in supporting and including nations that have achieved independence in the latter part of the 20th century?
7.
Compare colonization in Africa with colonization in other parts of the world.
Spotlight on Africa
Have students imagine they are producers for a news show called This Week in Africa . Ask the students to follow news about Africa for one week and develop a 30-second spot of about 60 to 75 words. Have them "present" their spots to the class. Africa Online provides an effective daily resource for this information (see Internet sites under Materials). After their presentations, categorize major news stories according to whether they show positive or negative aspects of the influence of the nations' colonial pasts.
CCSS Speaking and Listening, Writing, Nonfiction texts.
Education, Intrigue, and Enjoyment!
Ask your students to create travel brochures inviting other high school students to join an expedition to an African country. Explain that their brochures must be interesting and informative to both students and parents. Students should highlight geographic, cultural, educational, and entertainment features this expedition would offer.
Whether one views these changes as positive or negative depends on how closely one believes writing should adhere to the conventions of formal writing we have hitherto accepted, and how much one supports the goal of establishing the student's authority as a writer. Some writing instructors philosophize that since e-writing tools and e-language will continue to change, they must teach what will not change: the connection between thinking and writing and the ability to articulate what one knows (Leibowitz, 1999). This standpoint will certainly encourage teachers to continue seeking more effective ways of using the e-tools in writing instruction.
Peter Smagorinsky hosts this web site and populates it with links to exceptional, full texts, useful to teachers of writing. Here you'll find George Hillocks' "Observing and Writing," Johannessen, Kahn, & Walter's "Designing and Sequencing Prewriting Activities," and many other works. It's a gold mine.