Students first known history in “Heograpiya,Kasaysayan at Sibika” (HeKaSi), Sibika at Kultura, Makabayan and other related subjects of Araling Panlipunan. Most of the times, teaching history is based on traditional methods (ex. class lecture, and the use of text books as references). Maybe for some teachers and students, these systems are already enough to learn history, but using alternative methods will not hurt anyone to make us closer in studying and comprehending what had happened in the past. Nowadays , we cannot just ignore the fact that there are other methods in teaching, methods that will serve as teaching supplement and as enhancer to expand the historical knowledge that we learned from the traditional one.
One of the alternative way is to give them a chance to participate , or , if possible, advise them to organize Seminars, Symposiums and Conferences. In these works, there will be a “sharpening of communication”, that means ‘refining’, ‘understandable flow’, and ‘crystalizing’ of things that are already known.
Participating in Seminars, Symposiums and Conferences , at first glance, is not far from studying inside the classroom. But if we look at every detail, you’ll figure out their differences . First , in the aspects of dissiminating historical knowledge, the General information in a Good Seminar, Symposium or Conference is coming from the Speaker, the Guest of Honor, or the Invited Lecturer. These Speakers have their own areas of Specialization or Expertise depending on the topic being propagated. They impart not only unfamiliar matters related to the topic to be delivered to the delegates and participants but they also share other point of views or ideas regarding a certain issue or agenda.
Aside from these, there is a free exchange of questions and clarrifications after the speech. Sometimes, there is a reactor that will serve as the questionaire , or the’ inquirer’ to clarrify matters not clearly understood or that needs further expounding. It is also open for criticism to construct unclear points. And after the talk, time is alloted for an open forum , which will give importance to the speaker-delegate relationship .
The speedy flow of explanation and inquiry is an important characteristics of Seminars,Symposiums and Conferences that can be compared to a critical forum that will lead to the participants deeper understanding on the annals of History.
The students may serve as the organizers of the Seminars, Symposiums and Conferences, especially if there is a good supervision of their teachers . Organizing such events will help students to stimulate their pschomotor skills in history and train them to become good leaders in setting all the technical aspects like the sound system, crowd control, backdraft, certificates, program proper and food accomodations.
A class size or population is enough to conduct Seminars, Symposiums and Conferences.
It is never impossible for students to execute such activites.
By: HAMILTON Q. CRUZ | TEACHER II | PABLO ROMAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL | PILAR, BATAAN
