That people who participate in listservs represent a rather narrow cross
section of shouldn't be construed as negative: isn't that the point of
list-servs--to provide a means of posting information to professionals
(or aspiring professionals) in a particular field?
This particular list-serv encompasses much more than most professional
list servs, providing a forum for people to discuss, pose questions, air
concerns. I'm at a disadvantage, as I missed the initial email that
sparked this discussion but read the last couple of responses. I can only
reaffirm Maarja's response: as an historian and full-time archivist for 7
years, the experience and knowledge acquired in history is
invaluable working as an archivist. Knowledge most certainly
enables one to process more thoroughly which assists researchers.
In terms of interesting young people in history, it all depends on how
one presents material. When one teaches, one hopefully possesses
enthusiasm about a topic, and the mark of a good teacher is being able to
adapt to the classroom - to present information in a way that captures
students' attention. I despised American history in high school
because of the manner in which it was taught. But because of being
inspired by a gifted professor, I went on to earn a doctoral degree. The
secret to interesting young people lies in demonstrating history's
applicability to their daily lives -- not an easy task, always, and
finding one element of history that resonates with them. Are they
musically inclined? Start off by assigning something about the
development of music and then transition to political trends in society
at large. I taught American and World history at the college level for
three years; it is definitely possible to motivate young people to be
interested in history (high school and middle school students are easier
to motivate). It can be, however, utterly exhausting finding creative
ways to present material---- to snag their attention. In general young
people, like older people students like learning about an individual --
biography is one way to encourage an interest in history.
Young people can be inspired by and learn to truly appreciate history -
it's all in the method of engaging them. The more one knows the easier it
is to find exciting examples in history to engage young people whether
through teaching, lecturing, creating exhibits, etc. Good luck to
whomever needs to help inspiring interest!
Marilyn
At 10:46 AM 3/7/2006 -0700, Emily Brown wrote:
Maarja,
Thank you for your ameliorating response. I sometimes feel like
people
who participate in these listservs are a very narrow cross-section
of
society.
You are quite gracious and patient.
Emily Brown
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Marilyn Morgan
Manuscript Processor
Schlesinger Library on the History of Women
Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University
10 Garden Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617 384-8008
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