Going back in time

10/30/2014 5:42 PM

By Anna Huffman ‘17

Robert Franklin ’16, a history and social studies education major from Northbrook, Illinois, immersed himself in the past as an intern for Naperville’s Naper Settlement over the summer. With an interest in museum-related jobs after graduation, the experience provided valuable insight into the future of the past.

The settlement, a historical museum with indoor and outdoor exhibits of the city’s 19^th Century prairie life, gave Franklin professional experience that validated his preparation through curriculum design and development courses.

Franklin was able to use the curriculum skills he obtained to work effectively with educational professionals and maximize resources. He also developed skills in historical research, increasing his marketability upon graduation.  This discipline-specific internship opportunity reinforces the value of the experiential learning component gained through a Bradley education.

“At Naper, I feel I was immersed in the business of education, which proved to be a motivational, six-week experience,” he said. “The internship provided essential professional experience, but also increased my confidence in ways I thought impossible.”   

Franklin re-created blacksmith tools, simulated the rural post office and taught visitors about printing presses and newspaper production in prairie communities. Additionally, he worked closely with educational supervisors and educational institutions to improve history curriculums for second and fourth grade students.

“I was analyzing elementary social studies curriculums,” Franklin said, “ensuring that programs met Illinois State Standards and the Common Core criteria. I created reports illustrating the educational standards met and teacher resources to update student assessment.”