Former Congressman Lee Hamilton holds discussion on democracy education at School of Education
Event part of 10 year anniversary celebration of IU Center on Congress
Monday, September 28, 2009
The Center on Congress at Indiana University celebrated its 10th anniversary in a series of events at IU Bloomington Oct. 8-9, including one event that brought director Lee Hamilton to the IU School of Education.On October 9, Hamilton facilitated a roundtable discussion at the Wright Education Building, inviting faculty, graduate students and Indiana high school social studies teachers todiscuss ways the Center on Congress can stay at the cutting edge of developing educational resources that will interest today's students. School of Education Dean Gerardo Gonzalez and Terrence C. Mason, professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, made opening remarks.
Members of Hamilton's staff demonstrated the latest tools available on the Center on Congress website (www.centeroncongress.org), many designed specifically for use in social studies classes. The tools include interactive demonstrations on how a member of Congress decides on a vote and a module that shows how government regulations impact daily lives. Hamilton discussed with participants ways to better disseminate the availability of the tools for teachers as well as what content could be improved.
The celebration also marked the official debut of Hamilton's new book, Strengthening Congress, published by Indiana University Press, which details the steps Congress should take to re-establish the power and influence envisioned for it in the Constitution and to work more effectively with the executive branch.
"The two days of activities are being planned in partnership with the numerous departments, faculty and staff at IU Bloomington who have worked with us over the past decade to improve the public's understanding of Congress and strengthen civic engagement," Hamilton said.
More about the Center on Congress 10th anniversary celebration is available here.
