STEVE SMITH
Ryan Holland's article today about Dudley School third-graders creating their own book on Battle Creek's history is a great example of creative teaching and effective learning. Rather than simply reading a textbook or listening to a lecture, the students have become actively engaged in putting together stories from Battle Creek's past. That makes it far more likely that they will remember what they've learned.
For several months, the students have been welcoming visitors into their classroom to talk about various aspects of our city's rich past and the people who helped shape it. The students then team up to write chapters for a book that will be published in May.
Not only is such hands-on learning more effective in having an impact on students, but it also is likely to spark an interest in them wanting to know more – to become life-long learners.
That should be the ultimate goal of education, and we congratulate the teachers and third-graders of Dudley School for becoming involved in cultivating pride in Battle Creek's heritage. The books will sell for $15, and orders can be placed until April 16 by contacting Dudley School, 308 W. Roosevelt Ave., Battle Creek MI 49037 or by calling the school at 965-9720.
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