Online courses with Diana Waring

I am excited to announce that I will be teaching three world history online courses this coming fall (September 2017):

Ancient Civilizations & the Bible

_____________________________________

Teaching Strategies/Structure

To give you a sense of our strategies and structures, let me first explain that each curriculum title we will be using for a course is divided into 9 chronological units (or chapters). Each of these units is divided into 4 “phases,” which are designed to appeal to different kinds of learners. That is one of the primary reasons we have four Phases for each unit—it allows four different ways of approaching the material and various ways of presenting what has been learned. Many options are given because they offer opportunity for different kinds of “Smart”—the 8 Intelligences, or 8 Kinds of Smart. Since God created all of these differences in learning, we will honor Him by providing everyone an opportunity to learn in the way that allows them each to THRIVE!

Also, having numerous options allows students enormous freedom to pursue different topics that interest and motivate them. When students realize that they can actually dive deeply into something they find personally fascinating—and that their efforts will be honored—their self-motivation kicks in, a willingness to work much harder arises (because they ARE motivated), and there is real joy and satisfaction in the presentation.

With this in mind, here is the structure that will be followed for each of the 9 units.

Phase 1 Student Prep for The Introduction:

• Read introductory article at beginning of Unit (15-30 min)
• Listen to What in the World audio (approx. 30 min)
• Read the “Main Story” Scriptures for the Unit (approx. 15 min)
• Answer one discussion question online prior to class (approx. 30 min)
• Comment on at least one other thread of discussion prior to class (15 min)

Phase 1 Lecture Online for The Introduction:

• Diana Waring will explain and amplify material in the article and audio CDs;
• Q&A about the lecture;
• Class discussion;
• Introduction to the Phase 2 projects.

Phase 2 Student Prep for Explore & Discover:

• Choose research topic (15 min)
• Gather resources for use in research (library books, online articles, etc.)—at least 3 different reputable sources required;
• Research topic by asking “how” and “why” questions rather than “who/what/where/when” (3 hours)
• Prepare presentation (stage an “interview” of a historic person, create a PowerPoint/Keynote, become the curator of a museum, give a tour as a knowledgeable tour guide, etc.) (2 hours)
• Upload the presentation prior to class.

• Participate in at least 2 group projects during the course.

Phase 2 Student Presentations Online:

• While everyone is required to upload their presentation, five students will present their research in class (no more than 10 minutes per presentation). We will rotate through the student roster so that everyone will have equal opportunities to present during class.

Phase 3 Student Prep for Hands-On:

• Complete one map project (60 min)
• Choose from art, music, science, or cooking projects and complete one (1-2 hours)
• Write description and take photos of hands-on experience—upload prior to class (60 min)

Phase 3 Lecture Online for Hands-On (culture):

• Art of the culture
• Architecture of the time
• Music (as appropriate)
• Specific focus on the Bible or Church history

Phase 4 Student Prep for Creative Expression:

• Choose a creative expression project from one of these areas—Linguistics, Art, Music, Drama, Movement, or Conceptual Design (15 min)
• Prepare creative project (4-5 hours)
• Upload project prior to class.

Phase 4 Student Presentations Online:

• While everyone is required to upload their projects, five students will share in class their creative projects (no more than 10 min per project).
  We will rotate through the student roster so that everyone will have equal opportunities to share.

Unit Test

Students will take the unit test online. Two hours will be allowed for completion. Parents must agree to supervise, as this is a closed book test. The test will be “open” for 24 hours, from 12:00 a.m after Phase 4 class through 11:59 p.m. the following day.