The Objectives of Teaching History

• Although many students do not realize its importance, the study of history can be important for their overall intellectual and social development. History teachers may struggle in conveying the importance of history if they do not teach with the intent of achieving objectives that amount to more than having students regurgitate or recognize information taught in class or read in a textbook.

Civic Duty

• In the early period of the Renaissance, poet and historian Petrarch believed that humanism was part of a person's civic responsibility. In other words, studies in aspects of what are collectively known as the humanities -- art, history and philosophy, for instance -- are necessary for one to play an effective role in the political and social life of the community. Margaret W. Obray at Utah State University reaffirms this point of view in her course syllabus for a class that emphasizes teaching methods. She notes that Thomas Jefferson believed that active participation in government depended upon an educated and responsible citizenry. In other words, teaching students history can instill proper values and understanding, through historical example, that students can eventually apply in their own daily lives.

Developing a Worldview

• Students often enter into a history class, especially at the college level, with a worldview that has largely been determined by external influences. For instance, students with Judeo-Christian upbringing or a Muslim background will enter a world history class with a view of history that has been influenced by the ideas of their religious faith. The converse is not always true however; students often enter classes with a view of their religious faith that has not been informed by history. This can lead to erroneous presuppositions about the world that have no grounding in historical reality. Teaching history helps students ground their worldview within a previously unknown or misunderstood historical context. The development of historical awareness can also foster tolerance among competing worldviews.

Cultural Awareness

• Creating cultural awareness goes hand-in-hand with developing a sense of civic duty and worldview. Students who have developed some notion of civic duty and a more comprehensive worldview can better appreciate the current manifestations and achievements of their own culture and have a greater understanding of its historical context. For instance, students who attend a museum exhibit and view Picasso's "Guernica" may better appreciate the work if they understand the events of history and war surrounding the painting. The same is true in the reading of a novel or even a religious text. Understanding and awareness go hand-in-hand.