SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

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

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Barrier to Student Success

As kids prepare to step through the school doors and start another year, I’m particularly mindful of the 20 million children in the U.S. experiencing clothing insecurity.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

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

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Back-to-School Must-Haves: Transform Your Classroom with These Indispensable Items

With the right tools and products at your side, you can turn the chaotic transition from summer break back to school into a smooth ride.

The Secret to a Quiet Lunch Break: Building Student Relationships

The trick to not using all your personal days during the first month of school is to focus on stopping bad behavior before it starts, instead of punishing students after the fact.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Barrier to Student Success

As kids prepare to step through the school doors and start another year, I’m particularly mindful of the 20 million children in the U.S. experiencing clothing insecurity.
jubilee casino monterrey | casino en linea sin deposito | casino zodiac | winpot casino mexicali | casino lincoln | yak 3 | caliente slots | subir videos porno y ganar dinero | coche de la ruleta gta v hoy | ruleta de las tablas de multiplicar para descargar | como apostar en caliente | online casino usa | casino los fresnos tepic | calientesports mx futbol | luckyland slots | win money casino online | manos en poker | la ruleta estafa piramidal | casino grand toreo | el casino del diablo leyenda completa | casino sportium | juegos pum | bonos gratis casino | juegos de casino para ganar dinero | mesa de casino | como pueden ganar dinero los niños | ruleta animada sin fondo | casino pin up | 88 fortunes slot | casino golden island | grupo codere méxico | ruleta americana trucos | casinomx | juego tragamonedas gratis tigre siberiano | tragaperrasgratis con bonus gratis | capri casino | casino royale 1967 | juegos de maquinitas gratis | ballys hotel & casino las vegas | winner casino méxico | sycuan casino | hipódromo y casino de sunland park | juegos de casino online | casino de apuestas | como ganar dinero sabiendo matematicas |