Transcript Learning How to Learn in History

LEARNING HOW TO
LEARN…THE
METHODS OF
HISTORY
Many of these methodologies are
cross-curricular.
But in History…
• Each method can be applied to a story,
giving the elements that are interesting to
people of all ages:
* plot
* drama
* intrigue
* good vs. evil
The challenge for good teachers…
• To make the story elements work for you
to sustain students’ interest.
• This is what educators mean when they
talk about “making History come alive”.
The strategies you can use to do
this include…
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Analyzing
Brainstorming
Examining cause and effect
Using charts and graphic organizers
Using flow charts
Classifying
Comparing (in words, charts,Venn diagrams)
Strategies you can use to do this
include…
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Concept posters
Chronologies and timelines
Cartoon analysis
Critical thinking ( e.g., differentiating
between facts and opinion, detecting bias,
building a critical thinking model)
• Debating
• Games
Strategies you can use to do this…
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Interviewing
Interpreting images
Decision making
Essay writing
Teaching popular propaganda techniques
Varying your sources ( primary, secondary, objects from the past)
Graphing (bar, line, and circle)
Teaching strong note making (T-notes, point form, outline notes)
Teaching graphic note making (webs, flow charts, mind maps)
Teaching notebook organization
Teaching study skills
Strategies you can use to do this…
• Teaching a problem solving model
• Role playing/ simulations
• Researching on the internet (teach not to
plagiarize)
• Teach the skills of self-assessment, group
assessment, and project assessment
• Teach how to learn new vocabulary; use
active, concept clarification approaches
Strategies you can use to do this…
• Teach writing in its many storytelling forms:
* biography
* diary or journal
* friendly letter
* hard news story ( 5 W’s & How?)
* historical story
* play/ skit
* short story
Strategies you can use to do this…
• Teach writing in its many persuasive forms:
* advertisements
* brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
* editorials
* essays (especially comparison
and argumentative formats)
* letters to the editor
* political cartoons
* reviews or critiques of products or
performances
* speeches
Strategies you can use to do this…
• Teaching writing in its several expository
forms:
* instructions
* directions
* how-to manuals
Strategies you can use to do this…
• Teach writing in its many report forms:
* census taking
* news report
* newspaper
* magazine or newspaper
feature article
* research report
* survey/ poll/ questionnaire
* interview
Strategies you can use to do this…
• Teach descriptive writing:
* teach to write about details that
appeal to the senses
* teach to consider careful wording
choices ( high impact words)
But mainly…
Teach actively…don’t be the
football star confined to the
classroom!