Critical Thinking and the Questioning of History Texts

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2022 Issue

By Nancie Nesbitt

Over the course of my almost 40-year teaching career, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel during many of the summer breaks. Students often ask what is my favourite country, and I usually answer: “The last one I visited, but no matter where you travel, make it a point to one day go to Portugal. Portugal is a country that’s often left off mainstream tourism and is not only beautiful, but its people are inviting and welcoming.”

I love to travel, not only for the sights, but for the unique perspectives to be gained, both culturally and historically. Yet as a teacher, one of the challenges I’ve encountered is helping students develop their own individual perspectives.

Recently, I taught a full-year Western Civilization course to advanced high school juniors and seniors. I was really excited about this particular class because I had been to many of the countries on the curriculum and was eager to share my “extra” knowledge.

As I looked over the newly purchased used books, I realized that the perspectives of the authors were shown through qualifying words and subtle suggestions that were meant to influence the reader. The more I continued, the more I grew concerned at the blatant manipulation of thought (such as the word “propaganda” being used to describe documents left by the Persians for historical contexts; or the Vikings being called warlike and crafty—as if other groups could not be the same).

With this in mind, I decided to take action and created what I believed to be a unique way of introducing not only the subject matter, but also the topic of critical thinking as it relates to individual perspective. It soon became apparent that this class was going to provide a learning opportunity for me too.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Nancie Ellis Nesbitt, EdD, is a consultant and teacher with almost 40 years of classroom and leadership experience. Her interests include film studies, theatre arts, and travelling. Nancie lives in Birmingham, AL, with her husband.

Education News

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.

Girls Experienced Disproportionate Setbacks in STEM Skills Post-COVID

COVID-19 has been an unequal crisis, disrupting learning more deeply for some student groups than others.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

Nancie Nesbitt
Nancie Nesbitt
Nancie Ellis Nesbitt, EdD, is a consultant and teacher with almost 40 years of classroom and leadership experience. Her interests include film studies, theatre arts, and travelling. Nancie lives in Birmingham, AL, with her husband.

Advertisement

Read More

Guardians of the Coast: Building Kids’ Confidence Through Art

I was recently involved with an art exhibition in the Thanet District of Kent, England, that helped students see themselves as artists, advocates, and changemakers.

Is Your Child’s Literacy on Vacation? How Parents Can Beat the Summer Slide

Did you know students can lose up to two months of learning progress over summer break? Here's how to tackle the “summer slide” and keep kids engaged.

The Power of Music and Melody: Using Songs to Engage Young Learners

By harnessing the power of music, teachers can create a lively and dynamic atmosphere that also improves concentration, focus, and retention.

Nominations Open for Heroes of the Classroom Teacher Recognition Program

Nominations are accepted through August 3. Ten finalists will advance to a public vote for the chance to win the Grand Prize—valued at approximately $16,000 in cash and prizes.

Real (and Really Funny) Math

I'm an author of math books, which may sound like a dry job, but that’s exactly why I do it. It’s my goal to show kids that math can be fun (and funny!)

New School Safety Trends Report Shows Training and Technology Are Saving Lives in U.S. Schools

CENTEGIX’s 2025 School Safety Trends Report reveals a national movement toward proactive, integrated school safety strategies, including campus mapping.
miếng dán khe cửa đa năng sealboy slot | ice ice yeti slot | mugen 200 slots | bướm số mấy | game one piece 2 | xsmn 21 11 2022 | online slots welcome bonus | casino bắc ninh | thống kê lô xsmb | sabong | doraemon tập mới | lịch nghỉ tết ngân hàng | anonymous casino | usb dongle with sim card slot | m2 nvme slot | bingo sites with slots | chăm sóc xe hơi | cài đặt shopee | slotted post | synthesizer | nirvana slot | tải fifa nhật | harrahs casino online reviews | xo so mien bac minh ngoc | roblox mien phi | vietlott 22 2 22 | thống kê hai số cuối của giải đặc biệt | bonus wheel slots | fair go casino login | nya slots | 777 casino | online slots real money paypal | gunny mobi online | lịch nghĩ tết ngân hàng | chat se | expansion scroll of radiance slot mu | đề về 24 | ket qua bong da vong loai world cup 2018 | kubet casino | đánh cắp giấc mơ tập 1 | Chơi game bài Tiến lên miền Nam miễn phí | casino trực tuyến ac | acc fifa giá rẻ | số vietlott mega | tan so loto | dimm slots |