1. The Oral History Project
Dick Heyler
Linda Reilly
Stephanie Romano
2. Oral History Project
Is an authentic experience that involves
intergenerational dialogue
– It get students in touch with the past
– It tells someone’s unique story
– Students feel ownership
– Adults feel valued
– It creates an impact at the personal, school, and
community level
3. Oral History Project Components
Interview
– Purpose and focus
– Preparation for interview
– Tape recorder instruction
– Use of open-ended questions
– Connecting personal stories to history
4. Oral History Project Components
Artifacts
– Items (also people, events, or concepts) that
influence the person’s life
– A springboard/generator of ideas
– A tool/vehicle to tell stories
Research
– Use of reliable resources – library/internet
– A recursive process throughout the project
5. Oral History Components
Memoir
– A narrative which may begin with an artifact
– Shows some form of influence on one’s life
– May be a memory, an experience, or a time
period
– Brings first person “voice” to the process
Can be written by the participating adult
Can be jointly written
Can be written by the student
6. Oral History Components
Portrait
– Visual image – photo or drawing
– Composition – respectfulness and clarity
Presentation
– A sharing of information with peers, teachers, and
community
– A celebration of learning – OH Fair, Tea,
Symposium
7. Oral History Components
Feature Article
– Reflection of the person’s life and times
– Includes representative people, places, and
events
– Characteristics of a well written article
8. Oral History Display
Triptych
– Three-paneled backboard which portrays the
person’s personality and life experiences through
the OH components
“Outside the Box” Displays
– Pillow
– Shopping bag
– Shoe
10. History of the OH Project and CD
Governor’s Institute 1998 – 2000
CD – OH Project Consortium - 2000
– “Educate America” Act Grant
– Staff development tool
Develop lessons, practices, and assessments for the
classroom
Gallery of videos, pictures, and text samples
Oral History Project: Connecting Students
with their Community Heinemann, August,
2006
11. Your Assignment
“Academic Scrap Booking” (Gibb,2006)
– Create an OH Project on a fellow colleague
Begin with “Oral” tradition and heritage
– Family histories, tradition, and customs
– Personal experiences and stories (historical)
– Music, dance, games
Artifacts
– Crafts, foods, folk art, buidings
12. Your Assignment
Memoir
– YOU MUST WRITE YOUR OWN and give to your
partner
Portrait – you must capture your partner
Research
– Must be obvious in news article and presentation
News Article – 2 to 3 pages
Presentation (last two class meetings)
– 5 to 7 minutes/gallery walk
