There was palpable tension in Mr. Stinson’s classroom as Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, and others took the stand. Young lawyers raised their voices in passionate arguments that echoed through the room. The Lake George High School courtroom was the scene of a heated debate about the abolition of slavery.
Mr. Cody Stinson, a history teacher, transforms his classroom into a theater of historical debate multiple times a year. Mock trials and debates are essential to his US and AP US History classes, a cornerstone of his teaching philosophy.
“Mr. Jackson, you’re next to take the stand,” Stinson announced, gesturing towards a student portraying the seventh president of the United States.
As the debate continued, students, armed with meticulously researched arguments, passionately argued their cases. Some, like the Jackson, emphasized the strategic necessity of slavery. Abolitionists highlighted the moral implications of the continuation of slavery.
These debates aren’t just about memorizing dates and names; they are about stepping into the shoes of historical figures, grappling with complex issues, and understanding the multifaceted nature of history. By immersing themselves in these debates, students gained a deeper understanding of the profound impact of historical events.
They learned to analyze different perspectives, to weigh evidence, and to construct compelling arguments. Students learned that history wasn’t just a collection of facts, but a dynamic and often messy human endeavor.
Stinson knows that these lessons will stay with his students long after they leave his classroom. “Students carry the weight of these historical debates with them,” said Stinson. “This helps shape their own understanding of the world and their place in it.”