Module 3 - Part 1: Philosophical Foundations of Teaching and Learning 2

The second article I read was "A History Teacher Looks Back" by Ken Osbourne. As the title suggests, the article is about a history teacher ‘looking back’ and reflecting on the importance of teaching history. He reflects on what drew him to history and why he believes it matters. A major theme that stood out for me was how he describes the shift from teaching history as a list of facts to helping students “think historically,” encouraging students to engage with the past rather than simply memorize it. Innovation in this context, means improving current ways of teaching history. This means moving beyond the textbook to help students engage with the past. Similarly, creativity can include the means to which a teacher moves beyond the textbook by teaching inquiry to make history more meaningful. Osbourne also made an interesting point about teaching history in Winnipeg in the 60’s, and recognized that history was unfolding around them. He made an effort to make his students feel involved and engaged with the current state of the world and to be an active part of history in the making. Teaching in this context, can mean teaching students how to be engaged and informed citizens in their community. Finally, learning becomes a process becoming an informed citizen during history in the making, plus building the ability to make sense of the past and apply it to present day issues.

Once again, this article has helped me redefine my definitions of innovation, creativity, teaching and learning. I have never considered how innovation and creativity apply to teaching history, and that moving beyond the textbook and memorizing facts to inquiry projects is innovative teaching. I love the idea that history is unfolding around us all the time which is a great perspective to teaching students to become more engaged citizens, which my previous definitions of teaching and learning neglected. After reading the article, a question I’d ask the author: “What do you think is the most important change teachers should make to help students truly understand and care about history?”

References:

Osborne, K. (2012). A history teacher looks back. The Canadian Historical Review, 93(1), 108–137. https://doi.org/10.3138/chr.93.1.108

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