Teaching History
History has never been the most popular
subject in school. Truth be told, most students find the subject dull,
boring and without real practical use.
But history is
important. It presents us with lessons we can use, it gives us an idea
of who we are and where we are heading for. The past, as they say, is
the key to the future.
This is why as teachers, you must make it
a point that your students know and appreciate their history well. Here
are some tips you can use in teaching history and making it more
interesting for your students:
- Gain thorough knowledge of the subject1
History
is a detail-oriented subject, it is important that you gain thorough
knowledge of it. Aside from acquainting yourself with the materials in
the prescribed textbook, you should also try reading other books,
surfing the Internet for more information and watching videos that deal
with the lessons you teach in class. Plus, students are always
impressed when their teacher displays a detailed and thorough knowledge
of the subject they teach, so being knowledgeable in the subject is not
only to your students’ benefit, but also yours.
- Incorporate activities in your lessons2
You
can make history more interesting to your students by organizing
activities where they can participate in. Try organizing small plays
that reenact historic events, role-playing and having debates to ensure
participation from your students.
- Incorporate literature into your lessons3
You
can also incorporate literature set against the time or event you are
discussing in class to add “drama” to your discussions and make your
lessons a bit more interesting to your students.
- Bring in interesting visual aids4
Visual
aids that date back to an actual historic event may pique your
students’ attention. Bring in materials, like an old newspaper with a
historic event on the headline (you can borrow this from most public
libraries) or an antique piece, to help you start your discussion on an
interesting note.
- Create timelines5
Create
timelines, one historic period at a time, then post them one by one on
the classroom bulletin board as the schools year progresses. This will
not only help them understand the chronology of events better, but by
making it a class project, it can also be a chance for them to
participate in the class more.
- Do not deliver your lessons in a monotonous voice6
Deliver
your lecture in a voice that can convey the significance and message of
your lecture. If, for example, you are talking about World War II and
the great number of lives lost because of it, experts suggest using a
sad voice. This will allow your students to empathize better with the
lesson and make them realize that history is not just a mere recounting
of distant happenings, but involved real people, places and events.
History
can be a dull subject, but it can also be an extremely interesting one.
Whether your students grow up to have great knowledge and appreciation
of history or become people ignorant of their past and where they came
from, is up to you.
Sources:
1,2,4,6 Hambrick, Sharon. “Making History Lively,”
https://www.bjup.com/resources/articles/balance/tips/t1508.html
3,5 Rubben, Kelley. “Teaching the History in Literature: Interdisciplinary Approach,”
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/teaching_with_style/46479
