Game allows students to learn more about history

Daily Staff Reporters

Richard Robinson, who received his MBA from the University's School of Business Administration in 1989, has found a way to present history from what he describes as an all-inclusive standpoint.

The University alum has created a game that enables middle and high school students to learn more about minority and women's history.

Robinson's game, "America's History: Multicultural Contributions to America" is the product of five years of research. The two-part trivia game explores little-known facts regarding Africans, Asians and Latino/as, as well as the history of women and other minorities, in America from the colonial period to contemporary times.

The solo project, Robinson said, was brought about by the need to acknowledge the unsung heroines and heroes who have made a difference in American history. He said the fact that many text books don't include this information is an injustice to students.

The game is an "excellent supplement to any social studies program," Robinson said.

While the game is not designed for college students, its use in early education can give students an advantage when they reach the university level, said Beth Hackett, a women's studies professor. Hackett said she sees Robinson's game as a step in the right direction.

"We don't know enough history, period," Hackett said, claiming that most of the history that is taught addresses white male property owners and their wars.

She described college students' knowledge of women's history as minimal.

"It has been my impression that men of color and women have had a hard time making their way into the (primary education) curriculum," Hackett said.

The game may not be the answer to complete minority history, Hackett said, but it definitely gets students interested in finding out more about the past.

The game made its way to the Ann Arbor Public schools Friday, thanks to a donation from the Thona Corporation of Ann Arbor.

It has also been distributed to other local school districts, including Detroit, Chelsea and Dexter. In addition, the game has reached schools in Ohio and Delaware.

Blanche Pringle, Achievement Initiative Liaison for Ann Arbor Public Schools, had an opportunity to witness a group of ninth grade students give the game a trial run. Pringle said she found the students to be "extremely receptive," adding that "they got very much engrossed in the game."

Robinson said feedback like this has made the hard work worthwhile. "It is a dream come true," he said.

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