Russell, William Benedict III. “The Berlin Wall: A Simulation for the Social Studies Classroom.” (2010)

William Russell describes an innovative and very memorable lesson in which secondary school students experience the effects of the Berlin Wall. The author argues that many students find it hard to relate to historical events that seem irrelevant to their everyday lives. Simulations can help make content more meaningful. Briefly, the students are physically divided by a “wall” of cardboard boxes, which represents the divide between East and West Berlin. The students are told that the rules of the classroom have changed – the students in the “East” being restricted in various ways (teachers are given suggestions), while the students in the “West” are given extra privileges. The teacher explains why the rules are being implemented and why the wall has been built. After some discussion, the students are invited to voice their own opinions by painting the wall. They are encouraged to use drawings, poems, quotes, graffiti, etc. to express their feelings. Once the wall is painted the students analyze the artwork using a framework of questions. The author includes a wide range of useful resources such as websites, films and books to assist teachers in developing the lesson.