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Learning My History; A History of Learning

Case Study at a Glance

In “Learning My History; A History of Learning,” students investigate their family values and experiences and the nature of schooling in Tompkins County in 1892 and today. In doing so, students develop a sense of self and a relationship to their education.

Case Study Planner

Author: Erin Hammes

School: Cayuga Heights

Level: Fourth Grade

Learning My History

In the first part of the case study, students conduct oral history interviews of their family members to learn more about their past and better understand how their past defines who and where they are today. Using what they learn in the interviews, students write "I am from..." poems. 

Group Photo

A History of Learning

In the second part of the case study, students rely on a variety of primary sources to investigate group identities and education in Tompkins County in 1892. Students' learning experiences include trips to the Eight Square Schoolhouse and the Tompkins County History Center, and discussions with Sean Eversley Bradwell.

The case study culminates with every student writing a letter to the ICSD Board of Education that explains the nature and purpose of school in Tompkins County in 1892; compares education in 1892 to education today; discusses the connections between their family history and their relationship with education; and suggests ways by which the Board may improve school for students today.

Guiding Questions

  • What is the purpose of education?

    • What do I believe it was in 1892?

    • What is it today?

    • How has it changed?

    • How do we change or maintain it?

  • Would I have attended the Eight Square Schoolhouse?

  • Who are my people and where were they in 1892? 

Eight Square Schoolhouse
Eight Square Schoolhouse
Eight Square Schoolhouse
History Center
History Center
History of Ed in Tompkins
History of Ed in Tompkins
History of Ed in Tompkins
Learning My History
Learning My History
Learning My History
Eight Square Schoolhouse
History Center
History Center
Learning My History
History of Ed in Tompkins