Written By: Isaac Julian, Staff Writer
ENGAGED: The coffeehouse allows the students in AP US History to involve themselves in their work.
It’s an exciting time for students taking AP US History at Poly. This past week they were transported back in time, into 19th century America. The Antebellum Coffeehouse project was both a unique and engaging project that allowed students in these classes to step into the shoes of some of the most prominent figures in that era. Research is spread amongst the students, all whilst they sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry. The whole event is something that everyone looks forward to, and takes a unique spin on the typical learning experience.
To gain insight into what goes into this project, it is important to hear from the person behind it all. Mrs. Dubuisson, Poly’s APUSH teacher, was inspired to start this activity after observing how bored many kids were with conventional teaching methods. She explains that she “got tired of doing traditional notes and wanted the students to engage more with each other.” After all, who actually wants to copy down words all day? Mrs. Dubuisson saw this concern, and came up with a plan. Several years ago she decided to “break out of [her] comfort zone and have students do more simulations where they would take on a persona and a character.” Thus, these interactive discussions were born. She proudly shared that the overall reaction by students has been positive, leaving them “more engaged” than ever before. With this approach, students are much more enriched than if they were “just taking notes and reading in the book.” It doesn’t hurt that she also offers some extra credit for those who commit to their costume and food contributions. It is clear that Dubuisson has succeeded in creating an environment where students seem excited to put in the effort, which has bettered her APUSH class as a whole.
This time around, this project was centered around 19th century reformers. Some of the significant movements from this era include the Abolitionists, who advocated for the end of slavery, the Transcendentalists, who believed in spiritual and individualistic growth, Women’s Rights activists, religious leaders, and more. Everyone was able to pick someone belonging to one of these groups, becoming them for the day. People seemed excited at the thought of being able to portray their reformer in their own, unique way. Starting off with a rather famous one, the abolitionist named Fredrick Douglass, played by Connor Julian (11). Playing a former slave, he argued strongly that “slaves were treated as lesser than most men,” and mentioned how Fredrick Douglass dedicated his life towards leading civil rights movements to fight for emancipation. Another compelling performance came from Owen Weems (11), playing the social reformer Robert Owen. He was all about “sharing all the wealth and distributing it among the people,” essentially becoming a father of socialism.
Becket Sullivan (11) took on the role of transcendentalist pioneer, Amos Bronson Alcott. He was one of the first to fight for universal education, with the aim of creating a society based on individualism. This is only a handful of the many students who embraced their roles as 19th century reformers.
While many held the debates as their favorite aspect of the project, the real highlight was the coffeehouse portion. To earn those extra credit points, students roamed around school for the whole day in their Antebellum outfits. As you walked into the APUSH classroom, you were presented with the aroma of pastries and coffee in the air. The front table was overflowing with treats brought by the students. The students are sent to the past with the old-timey food they snacked on.
Mrs. Dubuisson has done a great job with the arrangement of this party, which was enjoyed by all of her classes. If you were worried that APUSH classes might only do these coffeehouses once, then fear not, as Mrs. Dubuisson shared that she holds these “at least one a quarter, sometimes more.” Hopefully this program can inspire more classes to adopt these engaging teaching styles, further enriching the Poly culture.