One of the best ways to learn something is to ask questions. When it comes to history, many things can be confusing or hard to understand. That’s why we have compiled a list of questions you can ask your history teacher that will not only help you get a better grade in the class but will also help you understand the material better.
24 Questions to ask about history:
- What are some of the most important events in world history?
- How did the Industrial Revolution change the world?
- What were some of the causes of World War I?
- How did the Holocaust happen?
- What was life like for people during the Great Depression?
- What were some of the most important battles of World War II?
- How did the Cold War affect world politics?
- What rights do citizens have in a democracy before?
- Who were some of the most influential people in history?
- How were different cultures shaped by historical events?
- What role does religion play in history?
- How do economics and geography affect historical events?
- How does technological progress change historical events?
- What influence does art have on historical events?
- What are common misconceptions about history?
- Why is it important to study history?
- How has our understanding of history changed over time?
- How do historians know what happened in the past?
- How do primary and secondary sources help historians understand events?
- What are some common myths about history?
- What can we learn from studying historical failures and successes?
- What are some current debates within the field of history?
- How can I make sure I understand history correctly?
- Is there anything else you think I should know about history or historians?
20 Questions you can ask your history teacher about a historical period:
- What was the most important event of the period we’re studying?
- How did people live during this period? What did their houses look like, what did they eat, what did they do for entertainment, etc.?
- How did this period shape the world we live in today?
- Who were the most influential people during this time? Why were they so influential?
- What were the most important wars or conflicts during this time? What caused them and how did they end?
- What were the most important inventions or discoveries of this period? How did they change people’s lives?
- What did art and architecture look like during this period? What do these pieces tell us about the people who lived during that time?
- What was the political climate like during this time? Who held power and how did they wield it?
- What was the economic climate like during this period? How did the different social classes interact with each other?
- What was religion like during this time? How did it influence people’s lives and actions?
- Are there any myths or legends associated with this period? Where do they come from and what do they tell us about the people who believe in them?
- What primary sources do we use to learn about this period? How do we know they’re reliable?
- What secondary sources do we use to learn about this period? Why are they useful (or not)?
- How has our understanding of this period changed over time and why?
- Whose stories are missing from our historical record and why?
- How might our understanding of this period be different if we had access to other sources, or if other sources carried more weight than others in our historical narratives?
- Is there anything about this period that you find particularly interesting or compelling, and why?
- Have you ever encountered something in your personal life that made you think about this period in a new light, and if so, what was it?
- If you could travel back in time and experience this historical moment/period firsthand, is there anything you would do differently, and why?
- Is there anything else you’d like to know about this historical moment/period that we haven’t covered in class yet, and why is it important to you?
25 Questions to ask about your history teacher:
- What inspired you to become a history teacher?
- What is your favorite historical period?
- What is your favorite historical event?
- Who is your favorite historical figure?
- What are your favorite history books?
- What are your favorite movies about history?
- What are your favorite history websites?
- What is the best thing about being a history teacher?
- What is the worst thing about being a history teacher?
- How do you make history class fun and interesting for students?
- How do you help students remember historical information?
- How do you assess whether or not students are learning in your class?
- Do you ever use primary sources in your teaching? If so, how?
- Do you ever take students on field trips to historical sites or museums? If so, where do you go?
- Do you have any advice for students who would like to become history teachers themselves someday?
- What do you think is the most important thing students should learn in history class?
- Do you have any other advice for students who want to succeed in history class?
- Do you think there is such a thing as objective history? Why or why not?
- Do you believe that the study of history is important for understanding the present and shaping the future?
- How do you handle sensitive topics such as slavery and genocide in your classes?
- What things should students keep in mind when using primary sources?
- What things should students keep in mind when using secondary sources?
- Have you ever had a student who completely changed the way they thought about a particular historical event or person after taking your class? If so, could you share that story with us?
- What do you think are some of the most underrated or underappreciated aspects of history?
- Do you have any advice for students who are struggling with understanding or retaining information from your class?
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do history teachers need?
History teachers need to be able to communicate effectively, have strong research skills, and be able to engage students in learning. They must also be able to understand historical concepts and communicate them in engaging ways.
What skills do history students have?
History students have the ability to think critically, analyze data, and make arguments. They also have good writing and research skills. These skills enable history students to understand complex historical events and communicate their findings clearly.
What are the reasons for teaching history?
One reason is that it helps us understand our past. It allows us to learn from the mistakes of our ancestors and build on their successes. Another reason is that it helps us understand other cultures. When we learn about the history of other countries, we can better understand their customs and why they act the way they do. Finally, history education helps us understand the world we live in today. It teaches us about the events that led to the current state of the world, and how we can work to make it a better place.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that a good history teacher can make the past come alive for their students. But not all teachers are created equal! If you’re lucky enough to have a good history teacher, make the most of it by asking lots of questions. These questions will help you get started.
