How to Teach History - You Can be an Exceptional History Teacher!

Ever felt that knot of self-doubt tighten as you prepare a history lesson? Questions like "Am I qualified?" or "What if I teach them something wrong?" can swirl in your mind. Relax, these are common worries for educators of all experience levels.

How to Teach History: A Guide to Becoming an Exceptional Educator

The Beauty of Collaborative Learning

The truth is, no one knows everything about history – not even the wisest historical figures! As someone who's been teaching for years, I can tell you the beauty of teaching lies in its collaborative nature. It's a learning process for both you and your students, fostering a dynamic environment ripe for discovery. In fact, admitting "You know, upon further research, I discovered new information about that topic. Here's the updated story" can even strengthen your credibility.

My Diverse Teaching Experiences

There are countless resources on becoming a good teacher, but let's leverage my own diverse experiences to equip you for exceptional history instruction. I've worn many teaching hats: from substitute teacher across various grade levels and subjects (including art and music) to established professor at a private university. In between, I've navigated diverse classrooms, each requiring unique approaches:

• 7th Grade Reading Teacher in Eloy, Arizona: There, the average reading level in 7th grade was 2nd grade, demanding creative and engaging teaching methods.
• High School Teacher in an Elite Arizona High School: Here, I could assign more challenging readings, pushing students intellectually.
• Professor at a Junior College: This role provided a different perspective on higher education.
• My subject matter spanned reading, economics, world civilization, Wisconsin state history, and a variety of U.S. history courses – including the unconventional "UFOs in Historical Perspective"!

Did I possess in-depth knowledge of all these topics beforehand? Absolutely not! My first acclaimed academic books focused on banking and financial history. However, I had never formally studied economics, banking, or finance! Yet, through research, exploration, and a passion for learning, I became a respected expert in American banking history.
Sometimes you literally stay just ahead of the students. There is an old professor joke about “Have you ever read ‘The Great Gatsby?” and the professor answered, “Read it? I haven’t even taught it!” Learn as you go, and learn from your students as they learn from you.

My Guiding Principles for Exceptional History Teaching

Now, let's dive into the principles that will guide you on your path to becoming an exceptional history teacher. These will be explored in detail within the free How to Teach History eBook, which you can download at the end of this blog post.

1. Embrace Confidence:

Teachers hold immense power in shaping young minds. Projecting confidence demonstrates your belief in the value of historical knowledge and your ability to guide students on this exciting journey. Confidence doesn't equate to flawlessness, but rather to a willingness to learn alongside your students.

This means if you make a mistake—which we ALL do (I once displayed a picture of Emperor Hirohito I had put in a slide show, only to be corrected by a student, “That isn’t Hirohito, that’s Tojo!” The proper answer is, “by gosh, you’re right. I screwed that up. Thank you.”

2. Understand Bias in History:

History is inherently subjective. Different perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and political agendas shape historical narratives. Recognizing this bias empowers you to teach students critical thinking skills – enabling them to evaluate sources, consider different viewpoints, and arrive at informed conclusions. Encourage open discussions where students can explore diverse perspectives on historical events.

3. Seek the Truth Beyond Bias:

While acknowledging bias is crucial, it doesn't negate the possibility of uncovering historical truths. By examining primary sources, corroborating evidence, and engaging in critical analysis, you can lead students towards a deeper understanding of the past.

4. Cater to Diverse Learning Styles:

Remember, students learn in various ways. Some thrive with lectures and discussions, while others grasp concepts best through visual aids, hands-on activities, or independent research projects. Implementing a variety of teaching techniques ensures your lessons cater to different learning styles, maximizing engagement and retention for all students.

By embracing these principles, you'll be well-equipped to become an exceptional history teacher. Remember, the journey of learning is continuous. Download the free How to Teach History eBook for more in-depth exploration of these principles, along with practical strategies and classroom-ready activities to ignite students' passion for history!

Ready to ignite a passion for history in your students? Download your FREE copy of Larry Schweikart’s “How to Teach History" today!