‘History of Us’ course transforms classroom experience at Central High
Crimson White – Oct. 17
African American history in high schools across the nation is often reduced to one month: Black History Month. Every February, students learn about influential figures such as Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but most students are taught little about the African American history in their own communities. This year, Central High School in Tuscaloosa has teamed up with over a dozen community partners, including the University of Alabama associate professor of history and African American studies, John M. Giggie, to answer this question. “History of Us” is a year-long course created in hopes of getting students engaged in learning about African American history and understanding civic engagement.
Want the real truth about slavery? Try these books, movies for kids, adults and teachers
USA Today – Oct. 17
Slavery defined our nation’s past and still affects its present. Many Americans don’t realize that, experts say. We want to help you learn the real truth about slavery. So we asked African-American history experts and education professors for their recommendations for how Americans like you can learn more about slavery. For educators, University of Alabama historian Joshua Rothman has one major tip: Don’t do reenactments or turn slavery into a game.
Visalia Times Delta
Veterans’ groups to benefit from 5K
The Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 17
A Nov. 9 charity event will help raise money to benefit veterans’ organizations in the Tuscaloosa area. The Tuscaloosa Runs for Veterans 5K will begin at 8 a.m. Nov. 9 at the McAbee Activity Center, 3801 Loop Road. This is the fourth year the Tuscaloosa Runs for Veterans 5K has been held. Proceeds will benefit these local charities: the Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park, the Tuscaloosa Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s homeless shelter, and the University of Alabama/Shelton State Community College Emergency Relief Fund, which provides assistance to veteran students in dire financial need.
Do Tattoos Make Your Immune System Stronger?
Labmate – Oct. 17
According to new research from the University of Alabama (UA), receiving multiple tattoos can actively strengthen immunological responses and increase the body’s ability to fight off generic infections such as the common cold. The findings were published in the American Journal of Human Biology and explain how UA Associate Professor of Anthropology Dr. Christopher Lynn and his colleagues explored the hypothesis that repetitive tattooing translates to a more robust immune system.
Kids not ready for kindergarten likely to score low on tests at end of first grade
West Plains Daily Quill – Oct. 17
Starting kindergarten can be a challenging time for children as many are leaving home and learning to interact with others for the first time. As such, it is important for kindergartners to receive proper support from their teachers. “Teacher-rated school readiness items in a kindergarten sample: Outcomes in first grade,” was published in School Psychology. Stormont’s coauthors from the MU College of Education included Keith Herman and Wendy Reinke. Daniel Cohen with the University of Alabama is also a coauthor.
UA Computer Science professor discusses bringing technology to the classroom (live interview)
WVUA – Oct. 16
Dr. Jeff Gray is a professor in the department of computer science at The University of Alabama and a member of the software engineering group. He is a National Science Foundation career award recipient and was named the professor of the year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Jeff is a distinguished member of the ACM and a senior member of the IEEE, and he currently serves as the chair of the Alabama IEEE computer society.
Social media cues about your political leanings might influence whether you’re hired or not
LSE Business Review – Oct. 16
While politics pervades daily life, we don’t know very much about how positions on politics affect work life. One of the reasons for this is that political affiliation is different from the individual differences that most management professors study. Jason Bennett Thatcher is an MIS endowed fellow at the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business.