Interactivity is a common theme in Boardworks’ ready-made yet fully-customizable library of classroom resources. From mathematics to the sciences, lessons incorporate engaging activities that enrich the learning experience and guide learning effectively. But one interactive subject that is too often overlooked is history. Social studies are full of data, differing perspectives, hard-learned lessons and most of all, the weight of history. How is history education enriched through interactivity, and what does Boardworks offer to lift education to new heights?
Studies Show That Students Crave Interactivity
In 2021, Carnegie Mellon University researchers Nesra Yannier and Ken Koedinger collaborated with colleagues at several universities to summarize what we know about active learning. Their review, titled “Active learning: ‘Hands-on’ meets ‘minds-on,'” was published in the prestigious peer-review journal Science and found that by and large, active learning engages students more than the status quo, and learning outcomes are enriched through participation. These studies suggest ways to incorporate lessons learned from schooling during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to the classroom environment moving forward. Educators are looking for ways to implement active learning in today’s classroom, and that’s where Boardworks steps in.
Interactivity Highlights the Relevance of Historical Context
Myriad studies show that students retain knowledge when learning by doing. Not all of our learners absorb information by reading or listening to teacher lectures. In fact, differentiation strategies are all the rage right now because of the tangible impact that diverse learning strategies have on student outcomes.
Interactivity supports data literacy in K-12 education, a skill set that is sorely lacking in most curricula. Teachers and curriculum designers incorporate data interpretation skills into content beyond math, from elementary all the way through secondary college and career readiness courses. One of the big-picture goals of our jobs as educators is to prepare young minds for the world beyond school. We can all attest to the fact that although we might not use trigonometry on a daily basis, we sure do face a flood of information online, from friends and family, and even at the grocery store. But history is full of data too. What trends shaped the ebbs and flows of history? How did human populations change over time? Is there any connection between economics and history that even a fourth grader can grasp? Questions like these highlight the value of interactive charts, graphs and other graphics in history lessons. Our kids deserve more than a textbook.
Boardworks Brings History Education to Students of All Learning Styles
Active learning is one of Boardworks’ greatest strengths. Students are immersed in customizable history lessons that empower them with the knowledge and know-how to connect the dots on their own. We often hear about the role of teachers as education facilitators. With the Boardworks toolkit of interactive instructional supplements, history teachers can spend more time focusing on what matters most: the students they serve. Whether with interactive timelines illustrating the industrial revolution, or simulations piecing together the factors that led to conflict, there’s always more to learn through the experiences that Boardworks provides.
Here are a few ways that educators can seamlessly integrate interactive supplements into history curriculum:
- Visualize Moments in History – All children (and adults) have preferred learning styles, and Boardworks more than meets the challenge of connecting to all. The turnkey suite of history resources opens up new avenues for reaching visual, hands-on and minds-on learners all with the same aligned and engaging instructional supplements.
- Draw Connections – Why does history matter today? Of course, history educators know the answer, but many of our students don’t. Boardworks adds an interactive twist to educators’ efforts to show students that today’s world stands on the shoulders of giants.
- Harness the Power of Numbers – Visualizations aren’t the only tools for bringing history to life. History presents the perfect opportunity to show students the power of data, and how statistics and trends change over time in our fast-paced world. Not only does data literacy prepare students for informed decision-making, historical numbers provide a tangible perspective of the past.
Ready to Experience Boardworks History Firsthand?
Boardworks provides prospective curriculum coordinators with complementary demo access to our library of turnkey resources. Whether you’re looking to explore our uniquely interactive history lessons, or you’re interested in exploring math, science, English, or all of the above, our team of product experts is ready to show you around.
Educators and administrators from around the nation have shared with us the ways that Boardworks has transformed the educational experience for their staff and students. Check out our success stories to learn more.
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