Your questions are great, and my original post
had answered them in providing the ad, which wouldn't upload!
The contest asks students to write a brief essay that attempts to demonstrate the value of learning
history through its coinage. I ask that it doesn't exceed 2,000 words and that if they use secondary sources they cite them in accordance with a
standard manual of
style. Aside from that, they are on their own to explore the notion.
Last year I
had only 6 entries (out of 1,500 students). But, and this is a big but, it was my first year as librarian, I advertised poorly, and I did it at a very busy time in the semester- the kids simply
had too many other things going on. A few kids submitted essays after the deadline and I gave them coins for the effort.
This year, I've scheduled time to go around to every
history class and briefly discuss the contest. I've also become much more familiar with the student body in general, so more kids who "hang out" in the
library are likely to participate.
The School
Committee also bought a large display case for the
library, so I've put several of my own coins on display for the students to see. I think this also will increase the amount of submissions.
I'm also trying to develop a program in which students learn the basic pillars of the research and documentation process by attributing an ancient coin- but that's a whole different project that's in its earliest stage. Ultimately, if I say "go research Abraham
Lincoln," a few kids will do it. But if I hand them a coin and say, "tell me what THIS is", they'll be much more enthusiastic and eager to participate.
NJM