4 answers
sam
Student
Oak Harbor, Ohio
7
Questions
Asked
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How do you approach teaching historical events that have controversial interpretations?
10th grade, interested in us, and world history. I want to go to bgsu or terra in Ohio to be a history major.
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4 answers
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
165
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First, I would take very seriously Michelle’s answer.
And what in history is not open to differing opinions? But that does not therefore make them "controversial. My advice would be to go through a particular event, say Austerlitz?, which some have called the greatest battle of the nineteenth century, and go through it step by step, and then discuss Napoleon's strategy and tactics in winning it. And then have the students write an essay first analyzing it and then offering their academic opinion as to its reputation.
The approach works in most situations,
And what in history is not open to differing opinions? But that does not therefore make them "controversial. My advice would be to go through a particular event, say Austerlitz?, which some have called the greatest battle of the nineteenth century, and go through it step by step, and then discuss Napoleon's strategy and tactics in winning it. And then have the students write an essay first analyzing it and then offering their academic opinion as to its reputation.
The approach works in most situations,
Karissa Helton
Teacher
212
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
Hello, I am a retired World and US history teacher (10th and 11th grade). The district you teach for will have a curriculum guide that tells you exactly what to teach. Most likely you will not see controversial subjects in this guide. The district will choose what textbook you use and this book will align with their views on controversial subjects.
You will find you cannot please every one. I was talking about a current event, the Joe Biden laptop scandal, that was appropriate for the subject I was teaching and the grade level I was teaching. A parent was upset and called the Principal claiming "it was not a scandal". I am not sure what they meant so I never talked about this subject again even though it was in the news several more times.
Keep in mind that each state is different. Some states are more conservative and this shows in the Social Studies curriculum.
You will find you cannot please every one. I was talking about a current event, the Joe Biden laptop scandal, that was appropriate for the subject I was teaching and the grade level I was teaching. A parent was upset and called the Principal claiming "it was not a scandal". I am not sure what they meant so I never talked about this subject again even though it was in the news several more times.
Keep in mind that each state is different. Some states are more conservative and this shows in the Social Studies curriculum.
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Sam !
History is one of my favorites, too but I am not a History Teacher.
Right now, in 10th grade, you will not be taught teaching theories and techniques of Education just yet. If you have any questions about methods, you can very easily ask your current History teacher who would probably be delighted to have a conversation about it with you. It's marvelous to see your curiosity !
When you attend Bowling Green State University or if you start out at Terra State Community College for your Associates Degree, you will need to Major in Education, not History, although you can take single history courses while in college. Take those single History courses at your own pace. Bowling Green State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) program through its College of Education and Human Development. On the other hand, Terra State Community College does not offer an Associate Degree for Education. You will need your degree in Education so that you can do student teaching and be able to pass getting your Teaching Credential, so reconsider your Major if you eventually want to be hired as a Teacher.
There are no Community Colleges in or near Oak Harbor, Ohio that offer an Associates Degree in Education. That is why I highly advise you to start out at Bowling Green State University so you can obtain your Bachelors in Education which you will need. Speak with your Guidance Counselor or the Academic Advisors at Bowling Green State University about how you do the History part while Majoring in Education because there are specifics depending on what type of licensure you will want or need to teach in Ohio.
While you are in High School, in tenth grade, you can very well become a connoisseur of History. Regarding your question about History being "controversial" you would need to explore this yourself by focusing on a specific historical figure or a specific historical event or the events that lead up to what you may think is controversial. It's a matter of reading, understanding and retaining documentation from various perspectives, both generally accepted mainstream textbooks and independent historical writers. It also takes many discussions with other history lovers to sift through the information and decide what information is documented the best and what seems logical to you.
You would also benefit by joining History Extracurriculars, or doing volunteer work. In your town. The Green Historical Society in the area where you live seeks retired teachers, college students studying to be teachers, or individuals passionate about history to serve as volunteer History presenters (they call them School Marms) for a 3rd-grade local history program field trip, with training provided. That seems like a good opportunity for you ! Also, the Harbor History Museum in Oak Harbor has volunteer opportunities and currently seeks education program volunteers, accepting applications year-round for internships (probably for college level students) and other roles. Also ask them about any historical reenactments that may happen around where you live so that you can be part of making History come alive.
So, for right now, I advise focusing on getting familiar with various periods in history. There's a lot to learn and you will know exactly how to teach by obtaining your Education Degree, doing student teaching and becoming certified and or Licensed in your state of Ohio.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
History is one of my favorites, too but I am not a History Teacher.
Right now, in 10th grade, you will not be taught teaching theories and techniques of Education just yet. If you have any questions about methods, you can very easily ask your current History teacher who would probably be delighted to have a conversation about it with you. It's marvelous to see your curiosity !
When you attend Bowling Green State University or if you start out at Terra State Community College for your Associates Degree, you will need to Major in Education, not History, although you can take single history courses while in college. Take those single History courses at your own pace. Bowling Green State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) program through its College of Education and Human Development. On the other hand, Terra State Community College does not offer an Associate Degree for Education. You will need your degree in Education so that you can do student teaching and be able to pass getting your Teaching Credential, so reconsider your Major if you eventually want to be hired as a Teacher.
There are no Community Colleges in or near Oak Harbor, Ohio that offer an Associates Degree in Education. That is why I highly advise you to start out at Bowling Green State University so you can obtain your Bachelors in Education which you will need. Speak with your Guidance Counselor or the Academic Advisors at Bowling Green State University about how you do the History part while Majoring in Education because there are specifics depending on what type of licensure you will want or need to teach in Ohio.
While you are in High School, in tenth grade, you can very well become a connoisseur of History. Regarding your question about History being "controversial" you would need to explore this yourself by focusing on a specific historical figure or a specific historical event or the events that lead up to what you may think is controversial. It's a matter of reading, understanding and retaining documentation from various perspectives, both generally accepted mainstream textbooks and independent historical writers. It also takes many discussions with other history lovers to sift through the information and decide what information is documented the best and what seems logical to you.
You would also benefit by joining History Extracurriculars, or doing volunteer work. In your town. The Green Historical Society in the area where you live seeks retired teachers, college students studying to be teachers, or individuals passionate about history to serve as volunteer History presenters (they call them School Marms) for a 3rd-grade local history program field trip, with training provided. That seems like a good opportunity for you ! Also, the Harbor History Museum in Oak Harbor has volunteer opportunities and currently seeks education program volunteers, accepting applications year-round for internships (probably for college level students) and other roles. Also ask them about any historical reenactments that may happen around where you live so that you can be part of making History come alive.
So, for right now, I advise focusing on getting familiar with various periods in history. There's a lot to learn and you will know exactly how to teach by obtaining your Education Degree, doing student teaching and becoming certified and or Licensed in your state of Ohio.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Deborah Meenan
School counselor, middle school teacher
5
Answers
Rockaway Township, NJ
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Hi Sam,
Excellent question! It is very important to speak to your supervisor, administrator or teacher mentor to understand the protocol of the district you are employed. They will instruct you on their expectations and how to deal with topics that may come up during a classroom discussion that could be problematic.
Good luck to you!
Excellent question! It is very important to speak to your supervisor, administrator or teacher mentor to understand the protocol of the district you are employed. They will instruct you on their expectations and how to deal with topics that may come up during a classroom discussion that could be problematic.
Good luck to you!