Lesson Plan | Active Learning | Imperialism: Africa: Review

Assumptions: This Active Lesson Plan assumes: a 100-minute class, prior student study with both the Book and the start of Project development, and that only one activity (among the three suggested) will be chosen to be conducted during the class, as each activity is designed to take up a significant portion of the available time.

Objectives

Duration: (5 - 10 minutes)

The Objectives stage is fundamental to directing the focus of the lesson and ensuring that both the teacher and the students are aligned on what is expected to be achieved at the end of the session. In this case, the objectives are established so that students can not only understand the historical events of imperialism in Africa but also critically analyze their current consequences. This not only enriches students' understanding of the past but also prepares them to evaluate the ongoing impact of these events in contemporary contexts.

Main Objectives:

1. Empower students to analyze the dynamics of imperialism in Africa, focusing on geopolitical, economic, and social aspects.

2. Develop the ability to identify and discuss the impacts of imperialism on the formation of ethnic and religious conflicts and the structuring of local economies.

Side Objectives:

1. Encourage critical reflection on the importance of studying imperialist history to understand current conflicts and inequalities.

Introduction

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The Introduction stage serves to engage students and activate prior knowledge acquired about the topic. The proposed problem situations encourage students to think critically and apply their knowledge in innovative ways, laying the groundwork for a deeper and more contextualized understanding of the impact of imperialism in Africa. Moreover, the contextualization helps establish the relevance of studying imperialism by linking historical events to contemporary issues and sparking students' interest in global power dynamics and influence.

Problem-Based Situations

1. Ask students to consider how the map of Africa would be different if imperialism had not occurred or if it had occurred differently. They should argue and present possible scenarios based on prior knowledge.

2. Request students to imagine they are participating in a diplomatic debate at the Berlin Congress in 1884. They should represent different colonial powers and defend their countries' interests in the partition of Africa, considering economic, strategic, and humanitarian aspects.

Contextualization

To contextualize the importance of studying imperialism in Africa, the teacher can start the lesson with a brief description of how current African borders were shaped by colonial agreements, such as the Berlin Treaty. It can also mention concrete examples of the impacts of imperialism, such as the ongoing conflicts in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where past colonial interests still influence disputes over resources and power. These contexts help connect the colonial past to the present, showing the ongoing relevance of the topic.

Development

Duration: (65 - 75 minutes)

The Development stage is designed to allow students to practically and creatively apply the knowledge gained about imperialism in Africa. By working in groups, students are encouraged to collaborate, argue, and think critically, developing essential skills such as the ability to analyze complex problems, communicate ideas clearly, and work as a team. The proposed activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, ensuring that students are actively involved in the learning process.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended to carry out only one of the suggested activities

Activity 1 - Reimagined Imperialism Map

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Develop critical thinking and creativity skills by reconsidering and redesigning the history of imperialism.

- Description: Students will be divided into groups of up to 5 members, and each group will receive a blank map of Africa on which they should recreate the borders and areas of influence of colonial powers, based on previously discussed alternative scenarios. For example, one group might imagine a scenario where African resistance was more effective, while another group might consider that colonial powers failed in their attempts to conquer.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Distribute blank maps and drawing materials.

• Each group chooses an alternative scenario for imperialism in Africa.

• The groups should draw on the map the borders and areas of influence according to their scenario.

• Prepare a 10-minute presentation to explain their map and chosen scenario.

Activity 2 - Colonial Conference Simulation

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Understand the power dynamics and arguments that shaped the partition of Africa.

- Description: In this activity, each student group will represent a colonial power in a fictional conference to divide Africa. They will prepare arguments and strategies based on the economic, strategic, and humanitarian interests of the colonial era, aiming to maximize resources and territory to be conquered.

- Instructions:

• Form groups, assigning each one the role of a colonial power.

• Provide research materials and guidance on the interests of the assigned power.

• Groups must prepare a 20-minute presentation for the conference, defending their interests and strategies.

• Run the conference simulation, allowing interactions between groups and an open debate.

Activity 3 - Cause and Effect: Consequences of Imperialism

> Duration: (60 - 70 minutes)

- Objective: Analyze and visualize the ongoing impacts of imperialism, promoting a deeper understanding of historical consequences.

- Description: Students, organized into groups, will select different regions of Africa to analyze the effects of imperialism to the present day. They must create a visual 'heat map' representing the intensity of economic, social, and cultural impacts, and they will present their findings in a panel format to the class.

- Instructions:

• Group students and assign each group a specific region of Africa.

• Groups research the consequences of imperialism in that region and create a 'heat map'.

• Prepare an explanatory panel with graphics, images, and summaries of the main findings.

• Each group presents their panel to the class, discussing the findings based on the 'heat map'.

Feedback

Duration: (20 - 25 minutes)

The purpose of this feedback stage is to consolidate student learning by allowing them to articulate and reflect on the knowledge acquired. Group discussion facilitates the exchange of ideas and perspectives, which can lead to a deeper understanding of the topic. Additionally, by responding to key questions, students are encouraged to think critically and apply their knowledge analytically, preparing them to assess the impact of imperialism in broader and contemporary contexts.

Group Discussion

After the activities are completed, gather all the students for a group discussion. Start the conversation with a brief introduction: 'Now that everyone has had the opportunity to explore the theme of imperialism in Africa through different scenarios and approaches, let's share what we have learned. Each group will have the chance to present a summary of the main points discussed and the discoveries made. This is an important moment for us to reflect together on how the colonial past continues to influence the present. Shall we start with the first group?'

Key Questions

1. What were the main challenges in redrawing the colonial borders of Africa in your alternative scenario?

2. How did the Colonial Conference simulation help understand the interests and strategies of colonial powers?

3. What are the most significant impacts of imperialism that you identified in your peers' presentations?

Conclusion

Duration: (10 - 15 minutes)

The purpose of the Conclusion stage is to ensure that students have a clear and consolidated understanding of the topics discussed during the lesson. By summarizing and connecting theory with practice, this stage helps reinforce learning and highlight the relevance of studying imperialism in Africa. Moreover, by emphasizing the applicability of historical knowledge in contemporary contexts, it prepares students for a critical and informed view of the world around them.

Summary

In the final stage of the lesson, the teacher should summarize the main points discussed, recalling the alternative scenarios of imperialism created by students, the strategies and interests of colonial powers in the partition of Africa, and the impacts of imperialism today. This recap helps consolidate the acquired knowledge and link the topics addressed during the activities.

Theory Connection

Today's lesson effectively connected theory with practice, allowing students to apply historical knowledge in interactive and creative scenarios. The simulations and discussions provided a deeper understanding of the dynamics of imperialism in Africa, highlighting how history influences contemporary issues, such as regional conflicts and economic inequalities.

Closing

Lastly, it is crucial to highlight the importance of studying imperialism in understanding the present world. The impacts of imperialism in Africa are not just historical, but they continue to shape the political, social, and economic realities of the continent, emphasizing the need for a critical education that enables students to analyze and question these realities.