Zoroastrians Abroad
History honor
Among the outstanding Canadians felicitated for furthering an interest in and understanding of Canadian history and heritage on December 10, 2012 was Daraius Bharucha, president of the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario. Bharucha and his colleague at the Bill Crothers Secondary School, Stefano Fornazzari San Martin were among the seven recipients of the 17th Governor General’s History Awards for excellence in teaching.
The Governor General of Canada David Johnston honored the teachers at the Awards ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa with a medal and a cash gift. The winners were assured of an all expenses paid trip for two to the ceremony.
Winners also enjoy the distinction of being felicitated in the Canadian Parliament where they are hosted by the Speaker followed by a reception with other Members of Parliament. They get an opportunity to participate in media activities such as interviews for radio and print, as also contribute to a discussion on teaching World War I using 21st century history education initiatives at the Canadian War Museum which will be filmed and broadcast.
Bharucha and Martin have chosen to use the prize money to establish an annual scholarship at their School for graduating students pursuing post-secondary studies in history, mentions a press release.
"My Place in Canadian History: Digital Storytelling with Historical Thinking Concepts” was a student-centered multimedia project pursued by Bharucha and Martin which takes the student’s family history and puts it into context in terms of the development and growth of Canada as a nation. Students make relevant and meaningful connections to the curriculum to help them realize that they are a part of and not apart from history. The project encourages students to be historical detectives and use Historical Thinking Concepts as a framework with which to analyze and interpret their place in Canadian history, commends the website of Canada’s History.
The qualification process includes external nominations, explanation of rationale of work, a lengthy written statement of teaching philosophy, articulation of practice, student submissions and references, filming of teaching practice and interviews. An anonymous panel of university professors, archivists and educators across the country judge the submissions and applications each year, Bharucha’s wife Dilnaaz gave the details.
The Governor General’s History Awards were first established in 1996 by Canada’s Natural History Society to recognize excellence in teaching Canadian history. Since the creation of the awards, over 100 teachers have been honored at Rideau Hall and at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Quebec, states their website. In partnership with Canada’s leading national history organizations, including the Begbie Society, the Canadian Historical Association, the Canadian Museums Association and the Historica-Dominion Institute, the Society recognizes the many different ways history is taught, communicated and celebrated by Canadians. The Awards event accords an annual opportunity to bring together museums, community organizations, writers, historians, students, teachers and media producers to learn from one another.
Seven years ago, on graduating from York University, Bharucha had been conferred the Governor General’s Academic Medal for excellence at the undergraduate level.
The Governor General of Canada David Johnston honored the teachers at the Awards ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa with a medal and a cash gift. The winners were assured of an all expenses paid trip for two to the ceremony.Winners also enjoy the distinction of being felicitated in the Canadian Parliament where they are hosted by the Speaker followed by a reception with other Members of Parliament. They get an opportunity to participate in media activities such as interviews for radio and print, as also contribute to a discussion on teaching World War I using 21st century history education initiatives at the Canadian War Museum which will be filmed and broadcast.
Bharucha and Martin have chosen to use the prize money to establish an annual scholarship at their School for graduating students pursuing post-secondary studies in history, mentions a press release.
"My Place in Canadian History: Digital Storytelling with Historical Thinking Concepts” was a student-centered multimedia project pursued by Bharucha and Martin which takes the student’s family history and puts it into context in terms of the development and growth of Canada as a nation. Students make relevant and meaningful connections to the curriculum to help them realize that they are a part of and not apart from history. The project encourages students to be historical detectives and use Historical Thinking Concepts as a framework with which to analyze and interpret their place in Canadian history, commends the website of Canada’s History.
The qualification process includes external nominations, explanation of rationale of work, a lengthy written statement of teaching philosophy, articulation of practice, student submissions and references, filming of teaching practice and interviews. An anonymous panel of university professors, archivists and educators across the country judge the submissions and applications each year, Bharucha’s wife Dilnaaz gave the details.
The Governor General’s History Awards were first established in 1996 by Canada’s Natural History Society to recognize excellence in teaching Canadian history. Since the creation of the awards, over 100 teachers have been honored at Rideau Hall and at the Residence of the Governor General at the Citadelle of Quebec, states their website. In partnership with Canada’s leading national history organizations, including the Begbie Society, the Canadian Historical Association, the Canadian Museums Association and the Historica-Dominion Institute, the Society recognizes the many different ways history is taught, communicated and celebrated by Canadians. The Awards event accords an annual opportunity to bring together museums, community organizations, writers, historians, students, teachers and media producers to learn from one another.
Seven years ago, on graduating from York University, Bharucha had been conferred the Governor General’s Academic Medal for excellence at the undergraduate level.
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