The 6 Cs, as Related to NHD

As my Student Historians prepare for their Capstone Portfolio interviews in May I have been reflecting on my second National History Day journey. Students are expected to have three pieces of work from each content area represented in their portfolio. Their NHD projects should take a prominent place in their History portfolio section for a multitude of reasons, most of which relate to the concepts in the 6 Cs of Education: Critical Thinking, Communication, Citizenship, Character Education, Creativity, and Collaboration.

Critical Thinking
This component is embedded in National History Day projects. Student Historians are expected to utilize higher-order thinking skills as they research topics they are interested in and break down the year's theme related to their topics. Students need to write a persuasive thesis, evaluate sources for reliability, use those sources to prove their thesis, and create a project within this Project-Based Learning model. They must be digital thinkers, able to use Noodle Tools and online databases for their research and writings.

Communication
Students must be able to communicate through writing. They may write a script for a dramatic performance, a persuasive paper, or the narration of a documentary. Clear and concise communication is essential. Students will also need to use effective verbal communication skills, as well as hone their digital communication skills as many students choose to create websites to house their projects. All students present their completed work to peers within school, this year with their District peers, and some will go onto to compete in District and State contests. Written, verbal, digital, and even non-verbal communication is crucial.

Citizenship
Students will better understand and respect other cultures through many NHD project topics. They also grapple with the ethics of a particular event in History and contextualize situations. These are sophisticated skills to develop.

Character Education
National History Day projects center around the concept of perseverance. Every single student hits "The Wall", as I call it, at one point or another and has to use life skills to surpass these challenges. Student Historians demonstrate responsibility as they navigate these multi-faceted projects, create to-do lists for themselves, while the vast majority gain self-confidence as learners, thinkers, and leaders when their work is complete. 

Creativity
NHD projects are unique to the individual student (or group) and creativity exists even within the confines of the five project types. Creating an open-ended project is a powerful opportunity for all students of all abilities to succeed. A student of mine last year decided to write a paper but put an incredibly creative spin on this idea and created a poem! Students have limitless potential when we believe in them and their abilities! 

Collaboration
Students need to know how to work with one another while creating NHD projects. Those that work in groups need to be able to agree and disagree productively with members. Even those not choosing a team must develop collaboration skills while explaining their project to their peers and the community. 

The 6 Cs are essential to the 21st Century classroom, National History Day projects encompass every component of the 6 Cs.

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