The Shadowers of History Project
Phase one
The first phase of the Shadowers of History Project involved nine new teachers of history, with less than five years experience, from government and non-government schools.
The new teachers, otherwise known as‘Shadowers', were offered to an opportunity to visit a school and observe a more experienced History teacher for up to two days.
The Shadower was expected to:
- undertake professional reading
- facilitate a professional learning activity
- report on the experience.
A grant was paid to the Shadower's school to cover teacher release and any travel and accommodation associated with the project.
Phase two
In the second phase, 11 history-related educational organisations were funded to host teachers in the shadowing experience. 33 History teachers participated in this phase of the project. Participating organisations included The Eureka Centre, Koori Heritage Trust, Shrine of Remembrance and the National Trust's Russell St Justice Museum.
A grant was of $1000 was paid to the Shadower’s school to cover teacher release and any travel and accommodation associated with the project. The host school or organisation received a grant of $250 to facilitate the visit and to provide opportunities for classroom observation and professional guidance on teaching and learning in the context of teaching History.
Reporting
Commonwealth History Project reports were written by 18 Shadowers and host’s reflections were received from three people.
Reports were based on four key themes and a subset of questions:
1. Background – About you and your school
- What experience, beliefs and understandings about history and history teaching are evident in your teaching practices?
- Within what organisational structures and conditions is history taught in your school?
2. The context – About the host organisation/school
What was history’s profile and status in the host organisation / school? In particular:
- organisational structures
- learning environment
- assessment & accountability, and
- teaching practices.
3. The narrative – About the experience
- What happened?
4. The outcomes – About new knowledge and practice
- What were the major outcomes for you professionally and personally?
- What is good history teaching and what does it look like in action?
- How did you or can you apply this experience to your own school?