Paul Phelan
(Photo courtesy of
the Farmingdale School District)
Farmingdale High School social studies teacher Paul Phelan recently applied for the Harvard Business School’s Case Method Project through the Gilder Lehrman Institute. After an intensive interview process, Phelan was selected to attend this prestigious project that took place on Jan. 30. Phelan is responsible for about 5 ½ hours of preparative work that includes reading through case studies, watching videos and answering questions, all which will lead up to a live session with Dr. David Moss, a Paul Whiton Cherington professor at Harvard Business School.
Moss applied his business analysis approach to undergraduate history classes and now is expanding the learning model to high schools.
The goal of the Case Method Project is to promote student engagement and interest in American democracy. Whether it be early moments in American history such as the debates that took place between Madison and other delegates at the Constitutional Convention or more defining modern moments, such as Martin Luther King’s decision to cross the Pettus Bridge in Selma and defy the president’s orders, the case method puts major democratic decisions in the hands of students.
Each case is told like a story and utilizes sources from the time period, engrossing students in a major situation and pausing the story right before a decision is made. From there, students build their own decision and viewpoint using historical evidence on the matter leading to class discussions.
From this highly-sought-after program, and with the assistance of other teachers, Phelan will implement the newly acquired information into everyday teachings. The major events in US history will align with our curriculum and challenge students to become active participants in American history and democracy.
-Submitted by the Farmingdale School District
