History is my favourite subject – there, I said it. Everywhere you look at the moment, there’s something in the news that relates to history. We can’t escape it – it’s in every world event lately – splashed all over the internet and social media. Take the war in Ukraine, for example. If you had studied history, you would know that Ukraine used to be part of the USSR. You would also know about Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014 and that geopolitical tensions in the region have been there for centuries. But often when you ask teenagers about these events, and others, they don’t know the answer or might just take a guess, based on something they heard or saw on social media lately.
But what it comes down to is simple – not knowing about what happened in the past, in the world you live in – is more and more the reality for today’s teens. And as a mother of two teenagers, kind of sad. 🙁 I’ve always been the kind of person who wants to know what’s going on. Last night I spent over an hour on the website, OnThisDay.com, learning about all the people and events that occurred on my birthday – ha ha! So you can guess that I love History and so have made it my mission to make history lessons for teenagers as enjoyable and accessible as possible. But making those lessons is only part of the solution – teens have to WANT to learn about history and sometimes it helps me as a parent to point out reasons why they should.
So this is the focus of today’s blog post – 3 Reasons Why Teenagers Should Study History!
1. Understanding of the Past: History is an excellent way to learn about the past and how it has shaped the present. By studying history, students can gain an understanding of important events, people, and societies that have contributed to the current state of the world. This knowledge can help students make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives.
2. Critical Thinking and Analysis: Studying history requires critical thinking and analysis. Students must examine sources, evaluate evidence, and interpret information to understand historical events and their significance. These skills are valuable in many fields, including law, journalism, politics, and business.
3. Cultural Appreciation and Diversity: History provides an opportunity for students to appreciate and understand different cultures and perspectives. By studying the history of different societies, students can gain a better understanding of the values, beliefs, and traditions that shape those cultures. This knowledge can help students appreciate and celebrate diversity, which is increasingly important in our globalized world.
Until next time – Gabrielle – voyagerschool.com.au
