Linda-Rae J. Carson

Harry Ainlay High School, Edmonton (Alberta)

Linda–Rae Carson has developed a Canadian history program for her senior high students that is grounded in history education theory that suggests students bring far more “historical skills” to class than previously recognized. The program begins with her project The Canadian Historical Identity: Historical Consciousness whereby the students explore connections between one's family history and Canadian history, and one's Canadian identity and the identity of Canada as a nation. While they acquire the essential skills for studying history, they develop the awareness that they are a part of the “big story” of Canada, and thus, a passion for Canadian history emerges.