“Filled with excellent examples of model lessons and units, any social studies educator will find this book a valuable addition to their professional library.”
—CHOICE
“Bruce Lesh applies the ideas of historical thinking to practical lessons more effectively than any other history educator. His in-depth discussions and thoughtful hands-on ideas serve as fantastic guides for a lively history classroom.”
—Fritz Fischer, professor, University of Northern Colorado; chair, Council of Distinguished Advisors, National Council for History Education
“Once again, Bruce Lesh has provided social studies teachers and teacher educators with a valuable tool for understanding the process of teaching historical thinking. As only an experienced teacher can, Lesh acknowledges the realities of the classroom and offers a vision of what might be if teachers were to prepare young people for 21st-century civic engagement. Lesh shows that with the proper support, students can do the cognitively and emotionally difficult work of constructing rich historical understandings of even difficult topics. He broaches the oft-neglected topics of assessment and discussion, supplying classroom-tested and research-supported instruction methods. With a conversational style and self-deprecating humor that makes his writing a pleasure to read, Lesh describes how to immerse students in historical inquiry, nurturing in them the understandings, skills, and dispositions that make the social studies an essential part of the curriculum.”
— Jeffery D. Nokes, assistant professor, Brigham Young University
“Imagine discussing history teaching with a smart, experienced, and passionate colleague who understands and can help manage the challenges we teachers face. Imagine a rich conversation with practical tips and approaches to inquiry-based teaching grounded in research and years of experience. Sound attractive? Then put on a fresh pot of coffee or pour yourself a cup of tea, and sit down with Bruce Lesh’s new book Developing Historical Thinkers for a wonderfully productive conversation. I’m confident you’ll enjoy and benefit from spending time with Bruce.”
—Bob Bain, associate professor of history and educational studies, University of Michigan
“In Developing Historical Thinkers, Lesh makes the process of building students’ historical thinking visible to us. Bringing together his own History Labs and national resources like Stanford Historical Education Group, the Right Question Institute, and the C3 Teachers Inquiry Design Model, this book is ideal for those hungry to make the shift to inquiry-based historical thinking. How inspiring for teachers seeking to take the first step toward changing classroom practice, for social studies leaders looking for a practical approach to building systems for historical thinking, and, more importantly, for each student awaiting the opportunity to develop a way of thinking that will last a lifetime.”
—Pier Larsen, director of pre-K–12 social studies, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, Carrollton, Texas
