Different Drummers: Nonconforming Thinkers in History
is an exciting set of professionally developed instructional
materials that will complement current approaches for teaching
about religion in the public schools. The materials promote academic
objectivity and balance in such endeavors by focusing on the
topic of free and independent thought in historical context.
The varied teaching and learning materials in the Different
Drummers supplemental module (grades 6-12) acquaint teachers
and students with aspects of unconventional and unorthodox thinking
and with some of the important "different drummers"
of prior times. With respect to worldviews, Different Drummers
materials speak to such relevant concepts as discrimination,
autonomy, plurality, freedom of conscience, and societal change.
These unique materials, designed and authored for use in middle
and high school grades history and social science programs by
Drs. Mynga Futrell and Paul Geisert, were produced in a two-year
curriculum development project in California. The lessons and
activities have been teacher reviewed, classroom tested, and
then revised on the basis of their pilot testing with students.
The module has been approved for legal compliance with respect
to social content by the California State Department of Education.
The content review was conducted by Dr. Gerald Larue, Emeritus
Professor of Biblical History and Archaeology at the University
of Southern California, Los Angeles.
For additional professional information on these materials,
call Instructional Systems at 1-800-666-9796
Paul Geisert, Ph.D. and Mynga Futrell, Ph.D. are the developers of the
"Teaching about Religion with a View to Diversity" Web site at
www.teachingaboutreligion.org
This website, "Teaching about Religion with a View to Diversity," serves classroom
teachers and other educators who focus on religion in curriculum of U.S.
public schools. The site emphasizes a pluralistic society and offers a
variety of materials on the topic of teaching about religion and nonreligion,
including lessons, links, background information, and position statements.
Drs. Futrell and Geisert are instructional designers who work
together as a team. Included in their accomplishments are two
texts in the field of using computers to teach, being proprietors
of a computer training center in Sacramento California, the design
and production of newsletters in the field of alcohol and drug
prevention and rehabilitation, and other projects, especially
the development of instructional materials.
These authors have a broad background in the design, development,
and implementation of learning systems. Both have advanced degrees
in curriculum and instruction, Geisert's background is in biological
science, computer-based instruction and school evaluation. He
has employed his knowledge and skills in the development of diverse
instructional programs and materials within both the academic
and business worlds. Futrell has a background in physical science
and science education. She has worked at the college level with
teachers and professors in the design of course materials in the
role of consultant as well as the instructional design expert
for text and videotape productions. Together Geisert and Futrell
have authored a number of articles and books on topics in instructional
development, including the 3rd edition of Teachers, Computers,
and Curriculum, published by Allyn and Bacon, and Different
Drummers: Nonconforming Thinkers in History, a set of supplemental
instructional materials to augment
teaching about religion.