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Dive into the world of teaching history efficiently with expert tips, engaging activities, and impactful teaching methodologies. Discover the tools and techniques used by classical historians to foster critical thinking and analytical writing skills in students. Explore the three stages of classical education—Grammar, Dialectic, and Rhetoric —and learn how to implement them effectively in history lessons. From researching primary and secondary sources to facilitating Socratic discussions, this comprehensive guide offers practical insights for both educators and parents seeking to nurture a love for history in children. Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and tools to empower young minds to become adept historians and critical thinkers.
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How to Teach History in Five Easy Steps John De Gree ClassicalHistorian.com Booth 1026
My Inspiration My Dad and a Large Family Learning Czech, German, and History Abroad 22 Years of Teaching, 18 years of Parenting , and Mathew 5: the Call to Perfection Books: Carl GustavsonA Preface to History, Jacques Barzun The Modern Researcher Lack of Critical Thinking Education in History Modern Education: Indoctrination, not Teaching how to Recognize the Truth
Dorothy Sayers – Modern Proponent of Classical Education – A Methodology of Learning Grammar Stage – before age 12 Play Games, Eat Dinner Together, Talk With Your Children, Visit Museums Dialectic, or Logic, Stage – from 11 - 13 Rhetoric Stage – from 14
Classical Education in History • It is an approach, first implemented by Greek Historians Herodotus and Thucydides… • The Tools of the Historian • Open-Ended Questions • Research in Primary and Secondary Resources • The Socratic Discussion • The Analytical Writing Process
1. The Tools of the Historian 1. Opinion or Fact? 2. Making Historical Judgment 3. Supporting Evidence 4. Analyzing Primary and Secondary Sources 5. Using Quotes 6. Paraphrasing 7. Prioritizing by Importance 8. The Socratic Discussion 9. Cause and Effect 10. Compare and Contrast 11. Change over Time 12. Writing Process: Thesis Statement, Conclusion, Topic Sentence, Closer, Outline, Rough Draft, Revising, Counter Argument
Tool #1: Fact, or Opinion A fact in history is a statement that is accepted as true. A fact often refers to a date, a person, or a document. For example, “The Declaration of Independence was written and signed in 1776.” We know this happened because we have the original document, the men who wrote and signed this document wrote about it, and observers wrote about it as well. There is no doubt in anybody’s mind whether the facts in this statement are true.
Fact or Opinion? • An opinion is an expression of somebody’s ideas and is debatable. Opinions that are based on facts and good reasoning are stronger than opinions not based on facts. In history, opinions alone tend to be less persuasive than when a person supports his opinions with facts.
Fact or Opinion? • Opinion or Fact? • 1. Life for early man was more peaceful than our life today. • 2. Teachers who are nice don’t assign homework. • 3. Almost everybody’s favorite food is pizza. • 4. Mesopotamia means “the land between two rivers.” • 5. The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776.
2. Open-Ended QuestionsQuestion Types of the Historian Cause and Effect Change over Time Compare and Contrast Define and Identify Statement/Reaction Evaluation Analyzing Viewpoints
Questions: Influences of History (Barzun and Gustavson) Technology Social forces Institutional factor Revolution Individual in history The role of ideas Power International organization Causation Loyalty
Open-Ended History Questions What was the greatest reason for the End of the Roman Empire? Why did Rome change from persecuting Christians to adopting Christianity? Was Napoleon a hero or a villain? Was Charlemagne more pagan or Christian? Who held more power in medieval Europe: The Popes or the Kings? What was the primary reason for the Reformation? Was the U.S. justified in dropping the atomic bomb on Japan? Compare and contrast a free market system to a planned economy. Which is better? What is the proper role of religion in American education? Who has been America’s greatest demagogue?
3. Research Primary Sources Secondary Sources Various Authors We we don’t use Fiction How to Trust Your Sources?
4. The Socratic Discussion Students present their argument and the Teacher/Tutor asks them to defend it with evidence and logic. http://www.classicalhistorian.com/video-samples.html Beware: The outcome may be different than what you think!
5. Analytical Writing Lessons Thesis, Outline, Rough Draft, Revising Turn the Socratic Discussion into an Analytical Essay Why? Good Talkers Don’t Always Do the Work!
Teacher’s Role: Experts Need Not Apply Be Patient Kind Compassionate Questioning Know What You Don’t Know = Be The Best Person/Mom or Dad!
What the Classical Historian Recommends… 32 Week Guide for the Parent Take a Stand! Book Teaching the Socratic Discussion DVD Curriculum History Texts and Primary Sources Writing Lessons
GHC Specials 15% off All Complete Curriculum Free Shipping Best Sale of the Year
The Classical Historian Online Classes for Grades 6-12 Weekly Current Event from the Judeo-Christian Perspective via Email Games that make Learning History Fun for All Ages The Socratic Discussion in History www.classicalhistorian.com