The Story of Us
“If history were taught in the form of stories it would never be forgotten.” — Rudyard Kipling
I have always thought of history as one big story of us. But somehow that idea seems lost on most students. It’s a shame.
I try to teach history in the form of stories. Unfortunately pesky things like tests and chapters seem to get in the way. I always feel like I’m stopping to check to see if students are absorbing the information and that interrupt the flow. I would love to get rid of tests altogether, but there needs to be an assessment strategy. I love the idea of portfolios, but those take planning, a grading rubric, and commitment on every one’s part. This could work better with a storymode of teaching. But I’m still concerned that students won’t see thebeauty in the stories.
History is wonderful. Anyone can find something to love. It has action, drama, comedy, romance, horror… everything anyone could want. My students have no problem going to see a movie, but when faced with academic history, they immediately see it as dry and boring. We need to break the mold. Bring back the excitement. Tell a story. Begin at the beginning, introduce the characters, face an obstacle, overcome said obstacle, wrap up a temporary ending (because of course history continues beyond the simple episode).
It’s all one big long complicated story. But one that I long for on a daily basis.
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