Outside of memes, there are other ways to make learning history more interesting and enjoyable. Oakwood High School social science teacher Alex Brouhard suggests allowing students to be “investigators.” As he noted in an article for EdSurge, it’s a way to sustain interest.
An example he gave was having students investigate what happened in the two years between 1915 and 1917, including the sinking of the Lusitania during World War I.
“My students not only learned the content but also developed critical thinking skills as they analyzed evidence, put together persuasive arguments, and respectfully debated their peers,” Brouhard wrote.
Brouhard further explained his process, stating that once the students discovered the information he tasked them to find, he assigned points of view between the Allies and Germany, sparking an insightful debate.
Renowned historical figures are human beings, too. They have personal lives outside their accomplishments and the causes they fought for, something worth exploring as well.
One notable piece of information is President Abraham Lincoln’s battles with depression, and there are lengthy articles written about it.
Focusing on individual stories is another strategy that Brouhard applies with his students. As he noted, crime shows, for example, appeal to people not just because of the suspense but also for the emotional connection.
“These elements resonate with my sense of empathy, compelling me to form an emotional connection with the show,” he wrote.
Now, let’s flip the conversation. To all of you history buffs out there, which of these memes connected with you the most? Which were your least favorite? Share your insights in the comments section below!
