This last class was a great way to end the semester and prepare for our trip to Munich. Jennifer Jones-Clark of Facing History and Ourselves came to talk with the class. The non-profit organization that she works for has the mission of educating about social justice through a historical lens, and how to educate teachers in presenting historical events to their students in an effective way. Overall, I found Jennifer's lesson to be very insightful and helpful with my own learning. It also, however, gave me a better sense for how effective history teachers can be when working with their students. I have had several extremely influential history teachers and professors throughout my education, and the program that Facing History and Ourselves has developed over the past 40 years is definitely adequate to how I define successful education.
The activities that Jennifer had us participate in were beneficial for my own interpretation of history. She made us think critically by using what we know about the past, present, and future. I think that for the most part, the class was definitely engaged with the material. We were all involved in conversation when discussing our attitudes and opinions. Jennifer's lesson can provide insight for how education majors can continue their practice, but also for how we can educate ourselves. I have always been a critical thinker, and I do not always accept things at face-value. I think it is important to dig deeper into a reading or a conversation in order to truly gain something from it.
Jennifer's lesson taught me that I should always be asking myself questions when it comes to history. This history can be from a formal lesson, or it can be the history of a relationship that my friend is telling me about. How can I become better informed of the past by relating it to the present? How can I continue to foster and develop my education and knowledge? When in Germany, I plan on having an amazing time. I am incredibly excited to experience the culture and sights, but I am also excited to be able to experience history up close and personal. Being in Germany and learning about the Holocaust will be so much different than learning about the Holocaust in a Boston classroom. Being in the environment and seeing where things actually happened will have a completely different effect. I want to take advantage of this trip and allow myself to ask the scary questions. I want to reach a certain point with my education by being on this trip, because who is to say when I will be given the opportunity to return to Germany?
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