FREDERICK DOUGLASS: LESSON STUDY:
A MAN & HIS TIMES

III. CONCLUSIONS:

The issues and focus of the lesson study were why was Frederick Douglass important and what does his life tell us about the times in which he lived. We wanted students to understand that Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave, abolitionist, women’s suffragist, writer, orator, and a brave and courageous man who fought for what he believed at great risk to himself.

The students ranged in abilities, many of whom were ELL, though most are at grade level in reading and writing ability. We felt that if they were given enough background information with then a focus on one extraordinary man’s life (Frederick Douglass) during the period of the debate over slavery leading up to the Civil War, they could access a sense of the times and be able to write to the prompt with a certain amount of success.

For the most part, that proved to be the case. Most students were able to write about Douglass’ life and give evidence to support their reason why he was important. Some also included the inconsistencies argument from “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” speech and were able to extend the ideas about his life and what occurred to paint a picture about the times in which he lived (e.g. life under slavery was harsh, dangerous, etc).

The writing examples (see student writing sample1 and student writing sample 2) show how he overcame the obstacles placed in front of him and the courage he had to continue his struggle to free himself and others from bondage or other forms of discrimination used during that time.