ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the possibility of teaching thematically rather than chronologically, even for just a unit. Teaching a US history survey course to juniors also left little doubt about the power of chronology. Certain themes, such as reform movements and US intervention in world affairs, appeared over and over. To recognize these patterns was to understand the rhythms of a young country's experiments at home and abroad. At the end of class, students bubbled with talk about politics, and some watched more clips from the debate at home on their own that night. In addition, thematic learning supports higher-order thinking skills that students will need in every element of their lives. Tony Wagner classified seven abilities as necessary to succeed in current and future worlds of work: collaboration across networks and leading by influence; agility and adaptability; initiative and entrepreneurship; critical thinking and problem solving; effective oral and written communication; accessing and analyzing information; and curiosity and imagination.
