Real-Life Research: Using Historical Events and Family History for Research Papers

• In Event: Reception with Effective Learning Strategies Displays
  In Poster Session: Poster 6

Abstract

Life is stranger than fiction, and using actual historical events for student research proves to be an interesting mechanism to draw students into the topic. Using the 1991 Rhode Island Credit Union Crisis, students are provided with some context of the events through videos of news stories from that time period. Discussion continues in class and students are provided with an academic research paper on the events. Students are required to do their own research on the events, and also to include a personal interview of someone that was present in Rhode Island during the crisis, preferably a family member. The fact that 45 credit unions were closed, for as long as six months or longer (some never re-opened) shocks students. Students are moved by the experiences of their family and friends during this tumultuous period. Issues discussed include accounting controls, business ethics, government regulation of business, and personal finance. Also reviewed are academic papers and scholarly research.

Author

• Lisa Church, RI College