Classroom Story on “Who Fought to End Slavery? Meet the Abolitionists”

Survey course teachers are often challenged to present a full understanding of the important roots of the Abolition Movement and its larger context in all of U.S. History.

As abolition is considered one of the largest social movements in U.S. History, it’s important for students to recognize and understand the diversity, disagreements, tactics, milestones, and limitations in this collective effort to abolish the institution of slavery prior to the Civil War.

Students found Who Fought to End Slavery? Meet the Abolitionists incredibly engaging as they simultaneously utilized their audio, visual, and kinesthetic learning skills during the Mixer. When asked if this was a useful instructional tool, students said the repetition of intimate conversations allowed them to really learn their “role” as well as practice speaking and listening skills in an informal environment.

The debrief was particularly powerful as the students shared what they learned from the mixer activity that modified their understanding of abolition in antebellum America.

While Lincoln indeed contributed to the abolishment of slavery, the students were able to recognize the courageous small and large efforts and acts of both ordinary and extraordinary Americans who chose to take a stand to bring the shared values of freedom, justice, and equality to so many others.