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The importance of independent research in |
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The new HSC program of
study mentions students’ capacity to manage their own learning. The new
syllabuses in ancient and modern history are strongly committed to the
outcomes approach. For teachers and students this will mean a new way of
thinking and learning. In the Modern History
Preliminary core study, many of the “learn to” points emphasise
the importance of and commitment to independent student research. A closer
look at the syllabus includes examples, “locate, select and organise
information from different types of sources. These “learn tos” feature in the outcomes, e.g. Modern History
Preliminary core study (P3.5), “plans an historical investigation,
analyses and synthesises historical information from a variety of
perspectives and presents findings of the investigation”. The textbook, although
important, will need to be supplemented by student research, undertaken in
part in class time, but more often motivated students will conduct their own historiographical research. Teachers should
encourage the use of larger libraries, historical associations, university
museums and other staff members, who could discuss historical perspectives
and interpretations with students. Finding the latest
evidence is now possible by using the Internet to obtain fast answers to
recent investigations. A recent case study would be the Mayan discoveries
excavated in Mexico. Returning to the same web site over a period of time
should help in using “a range of relevant ancient sources” and
evaluating their reliability. Students should be
encouraged to research, explore and gather as much material as possible to
assist in their historical investigations. Independent research correctly
undertaken gives a student a heightened appreciation for the course studied, which results in better learning techniques and
improved understanding of the subject. |
