Historian challenges students to see issues in context

May 7, 2016 · 0 Comments

Historian and author Gwynne Dyer was at Dufferin County Museum last week challenging Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) students to understand issues, such as those facing the Middle East, in context, rather than by “media standards of sensationalism,” says Neil Orford.

Mr. Orford is CDDHS’ award-winning history teacher and Program Leader of the Digital Historian Project (DHP) that brings senior history students together with the Dufferin County Museum and Archives (DCMA) for a semester of “deep historical research,” developing real-world statistical analytical skills, while earning four credits in subjects including history, data management, drama, art and music.

Born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Gwynne Dyer is a London-based independent journalist, syndicated columnist in 175 countries, and a military historian.

He spoke to students about the research he has conducted for his new book “Don’t Panic: ISIS, Terror and Today’s Middle East.”

In 2010, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada.

“Gwynne has been speaking to my history students yearly for the last 25 years and always makes time to call us from London to arrange a visit,” says Mr. Orford. “He truly believes in the need to educate young history students on global affairs.

“As a renowned international expert in defence and military history, we invite Gwynne because he is featured in the Orangeville Citizen weekly, so he is well-known to Dufferin readers, and because he has a unique insight into the Middle East and current geopolitical issues.”

Mr. Dyer “stimulates terrific discussion among the DHP students around the challenges facing Canadians over accepting Syrian refugees; the role of the Canadian military in the Syrian conflict and even the hyperbolic nature of the American election campaign,” adds Orford. “He is a wonderful storyteller and offers some keen insights from his extensive career, both living in and reporting on the Middle East.

“However, he always challenges the students by reminding them that climate change is a far greater threat to their future than the overwrought fear of global terror.”

There are currently 15 students in the 2016 DHP class, with 18 already signed-up for 2017.

Mr. Orford says they hope to expand the Program to the Wellington County Museum for 2018.

“As it stands, Dufferin students only have one opportunity for real experiential learning –the DHP, and it is being recognized as one of the premier programs available in Ontario,” says the project leader and creator.

Because of the Digital History Project, Centre Dufferin High School is ranked number one in Canada for veteran research at the Juno Beach Centre – winning the 2015 Government of Canada History Award.

Recognized by the Ministry as an exemplary “Experiential Learning Model” in their new “Community Connected Experiential learning document,” due for release in the fall of 2016, Mr. Orford will be presenting the Program in Ottawa, in late April, for a national audience of History teachers.

Once again, the students are researching the lives of Dufferin Veterans, creating digital profiles to be stored in the Dufferin Virtual War memorial at the DCMA.
They will travel to Holland, Belgium and France for two weeks later this year, in November, in a group that includes about 50 Dufferin students, staff and guests.

They will dedicate their research at the Juno Beach Centre in Normandy, France.

By Marni Walsh