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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