History classrooms are filled with students who learn in different ways. Some may thrive through discussion, while others prefer hands-on activities or independent research. No two classes will ever be the same. One way to ensure every student engages with history is by using flexible grouping and offering multiple ways to learn. For example, when... Continue Reading →
Tying It All Together
As we wrap up our discussion on the role and nuances of storytelling in cultures around the world, I hope you’ve enjoyed our journey. Perhaps the most impressive aspect of storytelling in oral cultures is their reliance on collective memory. In the Age of Information, the amount of text we’re confronted with is astounding. This... Continue Reading →
From A Different Paradigm
Western society isn’t the only one to rely on chronological order and the written word to preserve stories. It would be naive to think a culture fits into any sort of predetermined format. Other societies that included a reliance on written records can be found throughout history. The Chinese bureaucratic tradition became a staple of... Continue Reading →
The Focus of the Story is Different
We’ve been discussing the role storytelling plays in both learning and our understanding of the past. The reliance, in the west, of a chronological, list based history can be a challenge when looking at other ways of passing down knowledge from generation to generation. Let’s take a look at an example. The Polynesian legends about... Continue Reading →
Storytelling Traditions
We’ve been looking at the power of storytelling in enhancing student learning and the ways it differs between cultures. Now let’s focus on how storytelling itself can differ. This goes beyond the elements of a story taught and studied in an ELA class. The very way cultures can share can differ significantly and seem alien... Continue Reading →
Cultural Storytelling
I hope you had a great week. We’ve been looking at how using storytelling in the classroom increases engagement and retention. So why does storytelling seem to decline as students move through school? By the time students are in high school, they are all too familiar with note-taking as the primary means of learning new... Continue Reading →
More than just dates…
History is more than just dates and facts—it’s a collection of stories that shape how we understand the past. But how we tell those stories matters just as much as the events themselves. Do we rely on detailed notes and written records, or do we embrace the power of oral storytelling? The way we present... Continue Reading →
A Fresh Look at Student Interviews
The Internet is not the only place to get information. We all know that; students behave like they don’t. No matter the class, unless you specify where students get their sources, they will almost always stick with Internet resources. The usual remedy is to require a physical book. I have a suggestion that will satisfy... Continue Reading →
Maps as a Tool
Last week we looked at maps and how there are numerous options for classroom use. Like anything, what becomes crucial for long term learning and growth is the repetition of their use. Even a reminder as you point to the map about where you’re studying can help students grow their spatial awareness. Map usage can... Continue Reading →
Using Maps to Enhance Learning
The human brain was wired for organization. It’s the reason the sports page is organized by different sets of statistics and a business presentation features colorful charts. We all have our own way of doing things, or in the case of putting up laundry, of not doing things. Nevertheless, our brain looks for patterns in... Continue Reading →
Lyceum of History 