How to Teach Analytical History

History is predominantly written by the victors, so teaching students that there are at least two sides -- generally more -- to every historical event is a good starting point. Consider, for a moment, how history would be very different if Germany had won World War II. Rather than regurgitating historical facts and figures so they can pass the test, students need to learn critical analytical skills so that they understand historical events in context. Develop history students' awareness by making "whose interests were being served" a focal point of all historical analysis. Challenge students to debate and defend the positions they take on history events. Good tools of analysis are essential for comprehending what went before us.

Instructions

    • 1

      Question everything. Lead by example in your teaching practice and demonstrate the techniques required to present history from an analytical perspective. Be skeptical of accepting ideas and theory unless they can be substantiated.

    • 2

      Study Bloom's Taxonomy and teach students how to break historical theories down into component parts. Work with them on exercises to develop their skills of analysis, synthesis and evaluation.

    • 3

      Ask open-ended questions. Rather than questions that can be answered with dates or facts, pose speculative "what if" inquiries to see how well students can formulate an analytical evaluation.

    • 4

      Evaluate data and sources. To understand history from an analytical perspective, students have to realize that not all materials are created equally. Show them how to find reputable sources and develop a bibliography of the literature they reviewed.

    • 5

      Teach history students to look at themes and trends. Rather than tracing developments along a straight line, extrapolate the information and paste it into the bigger picture. Instead of looking at the current situation on Wall Street, for instance, juxtapose it with the data available from the financial meltdown of 1929.

    • 6

      Study open-ended historical concepts and ideas. Rather than sticking to facts -- Christopher Columbus, thinking he had reached India, landed in North America in 1492 -- look at the impact this voyage had on both sides of the Atlantic.

    • 7

      Regard solutions or conclusions to open-ended question as being up for debate if new evidence is introduced. History is always open to new developments and people have to be able to accept new ideas. Think, for instance, how what we know about ancient Egypt would be enhanced if another tomb like that of King Tut was discovered.

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