Students identify key events in history through personal connections - 0 views

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  #1 Marlene esteves on 04 Oct 11

   

  http://www.education.ualberta.ca/en/FacultyOfEducationNews/2011/January/Studentsidentifykeyeventsinhistorythroughpersonalconnections.aspx
  
  This article looks at a study that was done in Alberta, looking at how students' ethnic identities influence their perceptions of what is historically significant in Canada's past. Not every student interprets Canadian history the same way, since many interpret some events personally. There are some small sections in a history textbook that a student may relate to personally and therefore may leave a lasting impact on them. The researcher argues that there is not enough research done that explores the connections students make between their ethnic identities and their understandings of history. Common questionnaires ask questions regarding the background of parents, which leads us to categorize people. However, if asked and given the opportunity to explore identity, many may identify themselves in various unexpected ways. The students who took part in this study wrote very sophisticated and original pieces about ethnic, cultural and national identities which shocked the researchers. If students can learn to think historically they will be able to understand their identity and it will influence their own understandings and interpretations of history. This article is important since it indicates to teachers and TECs that social studies, in particular, history, can be interesting to students if they have a better understanding of themselves.

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner"><a href="http://www.education.ualberta.ca/en/FacultyOfEducationNews/2011/January/Studentsidentifykeyeventsinhistorythroughpersonalconnections.aspx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.education.ualberta.ca/en/FacultyOfEducationNews/2011/January/Studentsidentifykeyeventsinhistorythroughpersonalconnections.aspx</a> <br /> <br /> This article looks at a study that was done in Alberta, looking at how students' ethnic identities influence their perceptions of what is historically significant in Canada's past. Not every student interprets Canadian history the same way, since many interpret some events personally. There are some small sections in a history textbook that a student may relate to personally and therefore may leave a lasting impact on them. The researcher argues that there is not enough research done that explores the connections students make between their ethnic identities and their understandings of history. Common questionnaires ask questions regarding the background of parents, which leads us to categorize people. However, if asked and given the opportunity to explore identity, many may identify themselves in various unexpected ways. The students who took part in this study wrote very sophisticated and original pieces about ethnic, cultural and national identities which shocked the researchers. If students can learn to think historically they will be able to understand their identity and it will influence their own understandings and interpretations of history. This article is important since it indicates to teachers and TECs that social studies, in particular, history, can be interesting to students if they have a better understanding of themselves.</div>

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