Organization of American Historians
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This is a sample Focus on Teaching proposal which was accepted by the OAH Committee on Teaching. These proposals are meant to demonstrate the qualities of a successful session and are for illustration only.

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Prospectus #1

Prospectus #2

Prospectus #3

Sample Focus on Teaching Proposal #1

Presentation on a Teaching Unit on Asian Immigration to the United States 

Prospectus

A team presentation on Asian immigration to the United States will feature several components. Historian [name removed] will offer an overview of the history of immigration from Asia with graphs and charts displaying statistics and dramatizing trends. High School teacher [name removed] will conduct activitities designed to engage students in learning about the changing face of America especially since 1965.
  • Session participants will be invited to "read" graphs and to analyze significance of data presented. 
  • Sample comments regarding motivation for immigration will be distributed. 
  • Participants will consider the wide array of reasons people leave their lands of origin to settle in America. 
  • Cooperative small groups will assess two of the remarks made by Lyndon B. Johnson at the time he signed the 1965 immigration legislation. They will consider statistical and anecdotal information as they determine the validity of President Johnson's remarks: 

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    "The bill that we will sign today is not a revolutionary bill. It does not affect the lives of milions. It will not reshape the structure of our daily lives, or really add importantly to our wealth or our power. "

    "Our beautiful America . . . flourished because it was fed from so many sources--because it was nourished by so many cultures and traditions and peoples."

  • Based on their assessment, each small group will develop a major guideline regarding regulation of future immigration from Asia. 

Abstract

Among major changes in the United States during the final decades of the twentieth century is a greater awareness of ethnic diversity fueled by a rapidly increasing population of immigrants. Remarkable linguistic and cultural variety in the lands of origin of immigrants means that the array of differences on the American social scene is enormous. Immigration from Asia is playing such a major role in prompting social change that it deserves examination.

This five-day teaching unit on Asian immigration to the United States is intended for high school students (Grades 9-12). The unit sets the "new" Asian immigration in historical perspective and focuses on two main themes: US immigration Policy and the reasons for Asian immigration. The introductory essay provides background material rarely found in standard history textbooks. it identifies some of the factors responsible for changes in US legislation and examines some of the consequences of the 1965 immigration law. The essay discusses the complex nature of migration and cites challenges associated with integrating particular immigrant histories into an understanding of American history as a whole.

Charts, and statistical data are furnished to encourage students to track changes in immigration flows. Excerpts from interviews with immigrants help students understand motivations for migration. Official documents enable them to examine attitudes of lawmakers toward immigration policies and to explore ihe impact of legislation on immigration. A time-line of twentieth century immigration legislation provides a framework for study. Lesson plans feature interactive strategies to engage students in analyzing data and understanding the human dimension of a major aspect of American history.

Class activities are designed to help students understand the complexities of Asian immigration. An introductory activity asks students to research factors that influenced Asians to migrate by linking them to economic, political and social conditions in the US as well as in their home countries. The unique historic moment of migration is captured and highlighted by looking at dates of immigration, numbers of immigrants, reasons for leaving Asia, and reasons for choosing to come to America rather than any other part of the world. An interview activity aims to help students understand the diversity of Asian Americans by exploring their own personal identities and the multi-faceted personalities of those they interview. Profiles of immigrants expose factors which prompt people to leave their lands of origin and ultimately to settle among strangers in alien lands. A concluding activity challenges students to draft new legislation by first studying existing legislation and then formulating policies to accommodate diverse and conflicting interests. Current trends point to a continued high rate of immigration which poses challenges for all Americans, including the new immigrants, who question their place and power in a multiracial, pluralistic, democratic society. Students must analyze evidence to construct convincing arguments to support their positions in a push to turn their bills into law.

This unit is designed to augment other chapters in recent American history by both presenting information and by engaging students in activities that help them understand factors which affect migration, bring about social change and influence United States policy.

Abstract accompanied by brief vitae for each session presenter and panelist.