Radford University
Curriculum for Coal Mining in Central Appalachia
Through the use of Appalachian literature, music, dance, and art, ATP students studied
both the history and present practices of coal mining. The students partnered with
community members in Gay, Cabin Creek, and Kayford Mountain, WV, to create an interdisciplinary,
place-based curriculum focused on coal mining in Central Appalachia. The students
collaboration with citizens enabled them to draw from the intrinsic educational wealth
of the people and area and to celebrate the often uncelebrated knowledge of community
members. In order to build healthy and sustainable Appalachian communities, where
students are connected intimately and meaningfully to their community, educators and
policy makers must reevaluate the curriculum in rural Appalachia and interject much
needed place-based educational practices alongside standardized test material. Students
created the curriculum and then shared it with key faculty members in the Radford
University College of Education and Human Development, who then shared the information
with student teachers and masters degree students as an example of a place-based pedagogical
approach to learning.
Presentation
Final Report
Student Participants: Danielle Martin, Dan Bowyer
Faculty: Theresa L. Burriss
Contact Information:
Dr. Theresa L. Burriss
Director, Appalachian Regional Studies Center
Chair, Appalachian Studies
Radford University
P.O. Box 7014
Radford, VA 24142
Telephone: 540-831-6857
E-Mail: tburriss@radford.edu
Previous Conference Participation: 2009