A 21st Century Lesson that I developed for AP World History is called Five Minute Professor. AP World students research a topic and become the professor for 5 minutes of the class. Students work with a partner to pick the topic, research what they will teach, and how they will present their topic. They are only limited by a few items: the topic must be about something we are currently studying, it must be creative, students can’t use my technology, and the presentation should only last 5 minutes.
Students have come up with some creative lessons:
- teaching the class to Hula dance and about Hawaiian culture
- creating and performing a song about Napoleon
- teaching the class about the Cajun and Creole cultures that developed in Louisiana while serving Gumbo
Because students can’t use my technology, they don’t create a boring Powerpoint. Students have brought in family heirlooms and ancient artifacts. I have heard stories that have been passed down by older family members about regimes that have since died out. I have seen Mao’s Red Book and a piece of the Berlin Wall. If given the right opportunity, students will teach and amaze you!
