The Road to Now #349 Teaching History Roundtable
Oct 13, 2025
Andy Polk, a history professor at Middle Tennessee State University, teams up with high school teacher Brandon Eldridge and sixth-grade educator Rupa Charles for a lively discussion. They explore how teaching history varies by age group, emphasizing the importance of context and critical thinking. The trio addresses modern challenges like misinformation and misconceptions about educators, while sharing heartfelt teaching moments that light up the classroom. They conclude with valuable advice for parents and new teachers on fostering a constructive learning environment.
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History Shapes How We Explain Today
- History teaches people how we tell stories about the past to give meaning to the present.
- Thinking historically trains students to weigh evidence, accept ambiguity, and explain why they believe what they believe.
Require Evidence For Opinions
- Require students to explain why they believe something and point to evidence.
- Teach them to understand opposing views by grounding discussions in sources and reasoning.
Counter Misinformation With Sources
- Challenge students to verify viral or social media claims with primary sources.
- Use primary documents routinely to correct misinformation they bring from phones and online platforms.
