Monday, January 23, 2023

Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts: Charting the Future of Teaching the Past - Book Review

"Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts: Charting the Future of Teaching the Past" by Sam Wineburg is a thought-provoking and insightful book that delves into the challenges and complexities of teaching history. The author, an expert in the field of history education, examines the ways in which students learn and think about the past and offers practical suggestions for improving the teaching of history.

One of the book's strengths is its focus on the cognitive processes involved in historical thinking. Wineburg argues that students often struggle with historical thinking because it goes against their natural ways of understanding the world. He provides detailed examples and case studies to illustrate his points, making the book accessible to both scholars and practitioners.

Another highlight of the book is the author's emphasis on the importance of primary sources. Wineburg argues that the use of primary sources is key to developing historical thinking skills and encourages teachers to incorporate them into their lesson plans. He also provides guidance on how to effectively use primary sources in the classroom.

Overall, "Historical Thinking and Other Unnatural Acts" is a valuable resource for anyone involved in the teaching of history. It provides a fresh perspective on the challenges of teaching the past and offers practical suggestions for how to improve the learning experience for students. It is a must-read for history educators, teacher educators, and anyone interested in the teaching and learning of history.

The book is well written, accessible and engaging, it provides useful insights for educators, researchers, and students of history education. It is also a good resource for those interested in the field of cognitive psychology and how it relates to the teaching of history.

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