Rationalizing the Meaning of Events

September 17, 2019 Educator's Corner

According to Bruce Vansledright (2002) on his research entitled “In Search of America’s Past: Learning to Read History in Elementary School” learning history, if it leads to deeper understanding involves not only the repeated study of such narratives but also the acquisition and use of a set of domain specifically cognitive strategies. Hence, a good history teacher is a great storyteller.

Speaking of history, it’s my great appreciation and gratitude to my High School History teacher, Ms. Mercedes Tom – Gaas. I believe that the enjoyment of our World History class rests largely upon how she recreates past and current events and historical biography.

She creates a fun and productive learning environment using outside resources. Verily, world history education has plenty of opportunities to share one’s knowledge and passion for learning. According to Thomas Honsa (2011) on his study entitled “Teaching History, Doing Research: Personal Perspectives from a Secondary School Teacher”, a teacher who spends 180 school days trying to make the past relevant and meaningful to adolescents probably develops skills necessary to popularize the local past. Indeed, world history education helps us better understand how and why the world got to be the way it is.

The influence of my World History teacher allows me to make more sense of the current world and human life. Giving myself the flexibility to teach social studies alongside history gives me more appreciation on the morals, values and lessons that we achieve for the better in the world. As Peter Hartman said that history develops students’ identity because they learn about events that greatly impact them to become who they truly believe themselves to be. Happy World Teachers’ Month!

 
Mary Grace D. Payad
Pines City National High School