26.02.
2018 September | 2014 | Ithihas
Ithihas
Kaleidoscope of Indian civilization
In this blog you will find
Monthly Archives: September 2014
Writeups on Indian historical
themes and Biographies of
rulers and statesmen.
Learning History through Activities
September 2, 2014 – 1:24 am
Blogroll
“Not to know what happened before you were born is to remain forever a child”-
facetsofindianhistory Cicero
Sanatana Parishad
Thinkerspad In 1943 the Nagpur University had constituted a sub-committee to enquire into the
steady decline in the number of students opting for History at the university
examinations and offer suggestions for making history attractive. The sub-
Archives committee had reported that the intellectual discipline and sense of perspective
which help in the broadening of outlook are essential for the citizens of every
February 2018
country and that cannot be acquired if history is shunned by students. Regarding
January 2018
the question of how to make history attractive, the committee said that no subject
October 2017 of study requiring any sort of mental discipline and intellectual effort can be made
August 2017 attractive. (The Hindu dated 10-05-1943)
June 2017
May 2017 It is History which records all that has happened in the past and acts as an archive.
March 2017 Values such as patriotism, chivalry, altruism and awareness of one’s identity in time
October 2016
and space are gained by the study of history. Its study broadens one’s outlook and
removes petty prejudices which we have against others due to linguistic, religious,
June 2016
racial or nationality differences. History teaches that war and blood shed does not
January 2016 solve problems or is an effective way to resolve conflicts. It also teaches that only
November 2015 in a plural, secular and liberal society can all round progress be achieved. More
August 2015 than anything else a child has to know where he/she stands in the large canvas
June 2015 called life with scores of characters playing their role, hence the need of studying
February 2015 history is inevitable.
January 2015
But in today’s fast paced world where technology is the king, do learning of a
September 2014
subject like history has any relevance? Even among students, history is considered
June 2014 as a dry and boring subject, irrelevant to the present day needs where the primary
May 2014 aim of educating oneself is to get fit for a calling. Cramming of facts without
April 2014 understanding its significance merely for scoring marks or to pass an exam makes
March 2014 no sense and this is how history is learnt in schools at present. There is also
December 2013 repetition of historical topics at various levels which causes monotony. If at all
November 2013 students have to develop interest in history and it be made productive this should
October 2013 be at the school level as after 10th standard history is not taught except as
September 2013
electives.
August 2013
Modifications in the syllabus and teaching methodology will go in a long way to
May 2013 stimulate interest among children to study history. At the middle school level history
April 2013 should be taught in the form of storytelling. It could be about a heroic personality or
February 2013 a social reformer; a scientist or a sportsperson. The story should have some moral
January 2013 to learn like how the characters in the story overcame hurdles and ultimately
July 2012 reached their goals. Quoting historical anecdotes liven up a history class as
January 2010 anecdotes have an element of curiosity and humour. For high-school students
July 2009
teaching of History need not be only about kings and warriors. It could be on any
topic or event. Historical approach of learning helps students to grasp new subjects
June 2009
easily. For instance how the usage of coins and currency came into vogue. What
May 2009 new fruits and vegetables were introduced after the discovery of the new world and
April 2009 such allied topics? For home-work students could be asked to make a list of the
March 2009 currency used in various countries of the world at present and their rate
February 2009 corresponding to Indian rupee. Similarly they could be assigned work to find out
October 2008 the nutritious values of indigenous fruits and vegetables as compared to those
September 2008 newly discovered in the new world. Forming groups, students should be assigned
projects like creating animation films on historical themes. This would encourage
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26.02.2018 September | 2014 | Ithihas
August 2008 them to learn drawing/sketching and also to use various multi-media software.
July 2008 Another activity based lesson is to ask students to list out the names of various
June 2008 towns mentioned in history books (of areas nearby and accessible to the students
May 2008
to visit) and to list out the changes that has taken place over the years; be it in
extent, population, vocations, condition of monuments, etc. Yet another activity
April 2008
which stimulates imagination among students and develops their writing skills is to
March 2008
ask write essays on topics like- How different things would had been if the English
February 2008 had not ruled India or if the Himalayas were situated in the northwestern part of
India or if river Ganga had flown southwards instead of east.
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