Why Should We Study History?

William Shakespeare said- "There is history in all men's lives." I believe this assertion hits the importance of studying history at the most basic level. What has happened in the past is what has shaped our present and what will shape our future. No person is immune to the events and conquests of the past- although they may have already come and gone, the lasting effects of each historical event live on in our day to day lives. Everyone, regardless of age, gender, nationality, political or religious affiliation, is affected by history- we build off it, grow from it, and (if we're being smart) learn from it. Knowing where we've come from is instrumental for knowing where we're going.

Our students have the right to know what shaped our world today, and as educators it is our job to facilitate that learning. The study of history is so much more than just a time line of events. It delves into how society became the way it is- the development of cultures and the differences and similarities among the world's many diverse people, the advancement of many global systems (such as political, monetary, technological, and physical things such as transportation), and the constant change that is going on around us every day. One of the most intriguing things about the study of history and social studies is the role each of us play in it. It's so empowering to know that WE are part of the events that will shape tomorrow! The students sitting in today's elementary school classrooms are tomorrow's Nobel Prize winners, diplomats, and first female presidents. We owe it to them to provide the best social studies education we possibly can.

Lintner Quote

Lintner expressed that "A fundamental objective of social studies instruction is to link students’ lives and experiences to the lives and experiences of others." I definitely agree with this point of view. It is so important to help open students' eyes and minds to the diversity around us. Always focusing on our own limited experiences can lead to narrow mindedness. It's crucial to keep in mind that we represent a very limited perspective of a very large and diverse world! Children are very impressionable and I think often times they pick up the prejudices of their parents and peers. Sadly this can lead to stereotypical and egocentric ideas. As an educator, it will be my job to help open minds and let students "explore" the wonderful and diverse world around us. Of course that doesn't mean I can fly my students over to Beijing or Madrid whenever I want to show them a different culture or point of view (although with the continually dropping temperatures around here, Madrid is sounding pretty nice right about now...).
Social studies by nature is a global topic. Sometimes it can be hard for students to comprehend or appreciate something that they have never experienced though. That is why tools such as photographs, videos, and speakers can have such a great impact in linking diverse topics with student's own lives. Giving them a visual or a concrete example of a more abstract topic can help make it more relatable for students. We are also lucky that we live in such an advanced technological age that has made the world more connected than ever before. We can definitely use this to our advantage when helping students relate global issues to their own lives.

Search for Meaning

It is important for students of all ages to search for meaning in what they are learning. Searching for meaning helps make learning relatable and real for students- they are able to make connections and draw conclusions about what they are learning about and other areas of their life and learning.
I realized this week that in my entire college career I have only observed ONE social studies lesson being taught. Through all of my field experiences I have observed and worked with a range of students in both age and ability level. I have met old teachers, young teachers, traditional teachers, progressive teachers... but it feels as though the bulk of my experience has been centered around math and literacy instruction. Immediately I began to jump to conclusions. Am I completely unprepared?! If I was presented with the task of teaching a social studies mini-lesson tomorrow would I crash and burn?!
As this realization sank in I began to panic a little bit. That is until I stopped to think about it a little more rationally. I did a quick mental run-through of my learning experiences both in and out of the field experience classroom. It didn't take long before I noticed that although I might not have as much experience observing social studies as I have with other subjects I do have the knowledge and strategies to help me create meaningful social studies lessons. I think that is one of the most meaningful things I have taken away from our class so far. I have not only been learning ways to teach social studies material but also how to integrate my knowledge of other subject matter into my social studies lessons (and vice versa).
Although I do plan to try and incorporate some more social studies based observation experiences into my coming trips to the elementary school, I feel confident that our class has already helped prepare me with a wide range of ideas and strategies. I'm sure next semester during my student teaching I will be given plenty of opportunities to apply them! :)