It has been observed that one of the major problems of teachers inside the classroom is the attitude or behavior of students in relation to the span of retention in listening to topics discussed that they have during their class.  One of the subjects that seem to be boring for them is Aralin Panlipunan, (AP) particularly History.  This can be a challenge, even for the very best teachers.          Most probably, there is too much theory and too little hands- on for the students to engage in, or it can be that the only instructional material the teachers use is the dry-as-dust textbooks. Perhaps, it has something to do with the teaching style that a history teacher used or the learning styles of the students which can be considered as the culprit.  Or it may be other teacher-related factors, like personality, and lack of mastery. And even worse, their teachers in History are not really adept and passionate about this subject, maybe because it is not their major subject and due to lack of teachers, they were assigned to teach the subject.  Nevertheless, how can history lessons be refreshed and enlivened for the students to engage in?

                     Recent observations and studies revealed that there are still improved ways to teach A P.  It was suggested that AP teaching should be packed with a wide variety of activities.  For instance, why not visit a World War II Museum, like the one situated at the back of Balanga Elementary School, Balanga City. This museum showcases all relevant information about World War II which will be a big help not only to students but for everyone who wants to know more about Philippine History.  Different artifacts can be found in this museum, from old newspaper featuring news and other information about the war, helmets, empty bottles, empty  cartridge of bullets, Japanese swords, old uniforms of Filipino and American soldiers, a tableau of the death march, a video presentation of what really happened during those times, life size pictures, the actual surrender site and many more.  These are authentic materials which will enhance learning of the student in understanding of what happened in this country many years ago.  Another authentic way of teaching history, is by watching a stage play. Like for instance, the stage plays “Noli me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” This is a sure way for students to understand a grasp of the Spanish era and colonization of our country.

                     In a history classroom, the teacher should allow the students to be free in being creative when presented with various historical tasks, for example, grouping the students and each group will construct an illustrated comics booklet of different historical events which will be presented by each group to the class.  Comparatively speaking, this differs from today’s history teaching where teachers often follow a study guide in which both the process and the outcome pointed out for them.  In this case, teachers must realize that many of the group works should be included in the classroom, for instance open communication and debate.  Many students nowadays love to discuss and communicate openly with classmates, singly or in groups. 

                     It was suggested that history concept teaching should be packed with a wide variety of  activities that will  enable the students to discuss to their heart’s content It was observed and noted  by various researchers, that in tomorrow’s classrooms, school children will be free to experiment and be creative when presented with different activities or tasks.  This differs from today’s history teaching, where people often follow a study guide in which both the process and the outcome pointed out for them  In this case, teachers must realize that many of them must fill up the rooms with a focus on what they know can benefit motivation and engagement in AP subject.   Following all af these strategies may more or less rekindle the interest of the students in History.

                     It has been observed that one of the major problems of teachers inside the classroom is the attitude or behavior of students in relation to the span of retention in listening to topics discussed that they have during their class.  One of the subjects that seem to be boring for them is Aralin Panlipunan, (AP) particularly History.  This can be a challenge, even for the very best teachers.          Most probably, there is too much theory and too little hands- on for the students to engage in, or it can be that the only instructional material the teachers use is the dry-as-dust textbooks. Perhaps, it has something to do with the teaching style that a history teacher used or the learning styles of the students which can be considered as the culprit.  Or it may be other teacher-related factors, like personality, and lack of mastery. And even worse, their teachers in History are not really adept and passionate about this subject, maybe because it is not their major subject and due to lack of teachers, they were assigned to teach the subject.  Nevertheless, how can history lessons be refreshed and enlivened for the students to engage in?

                     Recent observations and studies revealed that there are still improved ways to teach A P.  It was suggested that AP teaching should be packed with a wide variety of activities.  For instance, why not visit a World War II Museum, like the one situated at the back of Balanga Elementary School, Balanga City. This museum showcases all relevant information about World War II which will be a big help not only to students but for everyone who wants to know more about Philippine History.  Different artifacts can be found in this museum, from old newspaper featuring news and other information about the war, helmets, empty bottles, empty  cartridge of bullets, Japanese swords, old uniforms of Filipino and American soldiers, a tableau of the death march, a video presentation of what really happened during those times, life size pictures, the actual surrender site and many more.  These are authentic materials which will enhance learning of the student in understanding of what happened in this country many years ago.  Another authentic way of teaching history, is by watching a stage play. Like for instance, the stage plays “Noli me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” This is a sure way for students to understand a grasp of the Spanish era and colonization of our country.

                     In a history classroom, the teacher should allow the students to be free in being creative when presented with various historical tasks, for example, grouping the students and each group will construct an illustrated comics booklet of different historical events which will be presented by each group to the class.  Comparatively speaking, this differs from today’s history teaching where teachers often follow a study guide in which both the process and the outcome pointed out for them.  In this case, teachers must realize that many of the group works should be included in the classroom, for instance open communication and debate.  Many students nowadays love to discuss and communicate openly with classmates, singly or in groups. 

                     It was suggested that history concept teaching should be packed with a wide variety of  activities that will  enable the students to discuss to their heart’s content It was observed and noted  by various researchers, that in tomorrow’s classrooms, school children will be free to experiment and be creative when presented with different activities or tasks.  This differs from today’s history teaching, where people often follow a study guide in which both the process and the outcome pointed out for them  In this case, teachers must realize that many of them must fill up the rooms with a focus on what they know can benefit motivation and engagement in AP subject.   Following all af these strategies may more or less rekindle the interest of the students in History.

By: JACQUELINE R.DELA ROSA | Teacher I | Samal National High School | Samal, Bataan