3 answers
Joseph
Student
Marshall, Missouri
1
Question
Updated
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How can I become the kind of history teacher who not only helps students pass exams, but inspires them to see the relevance of the past in their own lives?
I want to be the kind of history teacher who does more than just help students memorize dates and pass tests. I want to make history feel real and relevant to their lives—something they can connect to, not just something they learn and forget. I’m curious about how I can take big, sometimes overwhelming topics and break them down in a way that’s engaging and meaningful. I wonder what tools, teaching strategies, or even personal habits I’ll need to develop so that my classroom isn’t just a place to learn facts, but a space where students feel inspired to ask questions, challenge ideas, and really think about how the past shapes the present. I want to be that teacher—the one who makes a lasting impact.
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3 answers
Leanne Hayes
Field Marketing
10
Answers
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hey Joseph, I love this question, especially as history was a subject I struggled with at school because it just felt like dates and names.
In my opinion, to become the kind of history teach who truly inspires - not just prepares students for exams - you need to focus on storytelling, relevance and connection. You need to bring the story to life.
1. Make It Relevant: Show how the past connects to today’s world - help students see why it matters to them.
2. Tell the Human Stories: Bring history to life through real people’s experiences - not just events and dates.
3. Appeal to Different Learning Styles: Use a mix of visuals, hands-on activities, discussions, and storytelling to engage everyone - whether they learn best by seeing, doing or hearing.
4. Encourage Curiosity: Let students ask questions, debate ideas, and explore "what if" scenarios - make them active participants, not passive learners.
5. Use Modern Tools: Incorporate videos, podcasts, virtual tours, or creative projects to keep learning fresh and engaging (which links back nicely to appealing to different learning styles)
6. Lead with Passion: Your enthusiasm is powerful - if you care, they will too. And I think you have already nailed this one because you are here asking how you can achieve this!!
Inspiring teaching comes from showing why history matters to you. When students see that, they’ll start to realise how the past shapes their own lives. Good luck with it all and hope this helps :-)
In my opinion, to become the kind of history teach who truly inspires - not just prepares students for exams - you need to focus on storytelling, relevance and connection. You need to bring the story to life.
1. Make It Relevant: Show how the past connects to today’s world - help students see why it matters to them.
2. Tell the Human Stories: Bring history to life through real people’s experiences - not just events and dates.
3. Appeal to Different Learning Styles: Use a mix of visuals, hands-on activities, discussions, and storytelling to engage everyone - whether they learn best by seeing, doing or hearing.
4. Encourage Curiosity: Let students ask questions, debate ideas, and explore "what if" scenarios - make them active participants, not passive learners.
5. Use Modern Tools: Incorporate videos, podcasts, virtual tours, or creative projects to keep learning fresh and engaging (which links back nicely to appealing to different learning styles)
6. Lead with Passion: Your enthusiasm is powerful - if you care, they will too. And I think you have already nailed this one because you are here asking how you can achieve this!!
Inspiring teaching comes from showing why history matters to you. When students see that, they’ll start to realise how the past shapes their own lives. Good luck with it all and hope this helps :-)
Kelly Commiskey
Management
2
Answers
Cary, North Carolina
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
I really admire your question and your drive to become an excellent history teacher. Your passion already sets you on the path to success.
You've asked a fantastic and insightful question. History has always been one of my favorite subjects, both in school and now. I still keep in touch with my college history professor because his classes were so enjoyable. Even though I wasn't a history major, I took three of his courses just for the sheer joy of learning. I still have the textbooks from those classes as a reminder of how inspiring they were.
What made my professor stand out was his focus on a specific area of history, mainly Roman, Greek, and early English history. By specializing, he became an expert in his field. He also used humor that connected with us as students, which not only made the class fun but also helped keep everyone engaged.
His exams were challenging but fair, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding the material rather than just passing or failing.
I wish you the best in your teaching journey. I've included a link to one of my professor's lectures on YouTube below. After retiring from college teaching, he continued to share his love for history at an adult education center.
Watch one of Dr Kicklighter's lectures - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTIpNfJFVGY
You've asked a fantastic and insightful question. History has always been one of my favorite subjects, both in school and now. I still keep in touch with my college history professor because his classes were so enjoyable. Even though I wasn't a history major, I took three of his courses just for the sheer joy of learning. I still have the textbooks from those classes as a reminder of how inspiring they were.
What made my professor stand out was his focus on a specific area of history, mainly Roman, Greek, and early English history. By specializing, he became an expert in his field. He also used humor that connected with us as students, which not only made the class fun but also helped keep everyone engaged.
His exams were challenging but fair, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding the material rather than just passing or failing.
I wish you the best in your teaching journey. I've included a link to one of my professor's lectures on YouTube below. After retiring from college teaching, he continued to share his love for history at an adult education center.
Kelly recommends the following next steps:
Marcus Miller
Musical Artist
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Marcus’s Answer
As a history major in college, I am overjoyed to see this question. The path you are seeking can be very rewarding for not just you, but for all those you encounter. My first recommendation is to continue to think out the box. Remember that history is a collection of stories. Be creative when you tell them.
1. Do your best to represent all sides of the story, do not teach a one-sided account of history.
2. Use LARP (Live Action Role Play), show real-life examples of the subject matter, and utilize guest speakers.
3. Teaching Resources should include as many forms of interactive technology as possible. (websites, videos, audio clips, photos)
4. Always engage your students with topics that are relevant to what they are experiencing.
5. Start your own school or online-class/seminar
6. Be thorough with the details of the topics discussed.
7. Take field trips to history museums, historic sites, other states and/or countries.
8. Show your passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter and it'll become infectious to others.
1. Do your best to represent all sides of the story, do not teach a one-sided account of history.
2. Use LARP (Live Action Role Play), show real-life examples of the subject matter, and utilize guest speakers.
3. Teaching Resources should include as many forms of interactive technology as possible. (websites, videos, audio clips, photos)
4. Always engage your students with topics that are relevant to what they are experiencing.
5. Start your own school or online-class/seminar
6. Be thorough with the details of the topics discussed.
7. Take field trips to history museums, historic sites, other states and/or countries.
8. Show your passion and enthusiasm for the subject matter and it'll become infectious to others.