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Taking A Position On History
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November 2009 -- President Obama is not alone in his pursuit for a resolution of position in the Middle East. In Mr. Palmer’s U.S. History class, students are assuming the roles of head’s of states, military, terrorists and concerned citizens to address the same question that President Obama is considering carefully today – “Should the United States remain in Iraq and Afghanistan for the next five years or withdraw all U.S. troops in the next six months?”
In preparation for their roles, students must thoroughly research the position of their character and be prepared to defend that position in a mock cabinet meeting facilitated by Mr. Obama (student facsimile). Replicated to be a cabinet meeting, participants stand as the President enters the room and learn the process and protocols associated to a debate format. Students research their individual and the information supporting their position through articles in reputable news publications, broadcast reporting and through classroom work focused on real events and arguments. In preparation, their classes have been learning about recent events, cultures, and the history of middle-eastern relationships with the United States.
At the conclusion of each cabinet meeting, the student representing President Obama must take a position and support that decision to the group. From a simple understanding of the roles of the Secretary of State to understanding the value of a counter insurgency plan in Afghanistan, students are practically applying critical thinking skills, logical deductive reasoning, learning effective debate strategies and note taking skills and are now earnestly awaiting the official White House response with a stronger awareness and interest in the outcome.
  
Playing the role of Senator John McCain in our three-day cabinet meeting made me feel as if I actually were a member of the United States government. When questions and statements were thrown back and forth across the classroom, I had to pay close attention, take notes, and in my mind contemplate an idea of how I was going to convince, fellow classmate, Barrack Obama, that my argument was the way to go. The Cabinet Meeting was a great way for everyone’s voice to be heard and is clearly an effective way of making decisions. We not only heard everyone’s points but also if they had credible sources to back them. By getting drilled with questions from the class and hearing the phrase “don’t take it personally” from Mr. Palmer. I think I’m ready for D.C.! Jackson Callahan '11
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