The study of the Red River Rebellion is a cornerstone of any Canadian History curriculum. The recreation of the dramatic trial of Louis Riel has become a must-do in classrooms across the country, engaging students in a simulation of the exciting events leading up to Riel’s conviction, and ultimately, his execution. For some teachers, a large-scale, whole class simulation is fraught with logistical difficulties.
- How can students capture the drama of the events on a smaller scale, while still demonstrating effective written, oral, and graphic communication skills?
- What options exist for teachers to tailor assignments to the individual strengths of students, while ensuring all students explore the issues surrounding one of Canada’s most fascinating and controversial figures?
The following projects offer students the opportunity for in-depth study, while offering teachers the flexibility of differentiating instruction.
Newspaper Project
In classrooms where computer access is limited, a newspaper assignment is an ideal way to research and analyze the events of the Red River Rebellion and the Riel trial.
Have groups elect an editor who assigns the task of writing articles, editorials and editorial cartoons, interviews, etc. to group members. Analysis of primary source documents allows students to explore multiple perspectives and bias in the media, as well as its ability to inform, entertain, and persuade. Students can conduct “interviews” using first-hand accounts from primary sources.
Website Project
The creation of a website is an ideal way for IT savvy students to showcase their learning. Like the newspaper project, keep groups small. Students should elect a webmaster or project manager to delegate tasks. Students will be expected to produce the conventions of a modern information-based website with articles, blogs and graphics. Don’t forget about a bibliography.
TV News Broadcast
Confident students respond to the opportunity to present a TV News Broadcast to their classmates. Groups can be slightly larger (up to 8 students), or students may be encouraged to take on multiple roles in smaller groups. On-the-scene reporters interview key members in the trial, such as a juror, a witness, or Riel himself. Others report on the response of the crowd and/or government. Encourage groups to research persons and events before planning their performance, and to keep track of who did what (making individual and whole-class assessment easier for the teacher). Broadcasts can be live or pre-recorded. Props, costumes and primary source documents should be encouraged if not part of the grading criteria.
QUICK TIPS
- Ensure that responsibilities are fairly distributed by keeping groups small.
- Be sure students keep a detailed list of sources consulted to be cited later in the bibliography.
- Assessment criteria can be generated by the class or assigned by the teacher, with grades given according to both individual contribution and whole group effort.
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