How Can We Solve The Problem In History Class?

A few days ago, the article about history class was announced in KBS News. The reporter pointed out the situation of our history class by showing that some students couldn't answer questions about Korean history. I was sorry to watch the pitiful situation because some students didn't know the historical fact that we put a premium on. A student who was interviewed said that history is difficult to study because there are so many things they have to memorize.

▲ The reporter asked some questions about history,

but a few students gave the correct answer.(Source : KBS NEWS)

However, I think that the reporter made an error. As I wrote, the reporter chose some important historical facts that he thinks : When did the Korean War happen? When is the Independence Day of Korea? In which war did the General Lee die? This situation showed that we have to memorize the time of historical facts and we should answer the question following the rules like 5W1H(Who, When, Where, What, Why, How)

In fact, there is no important historical fact. Are some parts of history, which make us ignorant if we don't know them, important? Is it because they are tragedies? or proud achievements? Don't you agree that these standards was made by the older generation? I believe that we should choose the way to learn history for ourselves. I will show you the reason we should study history, which is in the history book.

First, we can understand the present by studying our history. If we don't know about our history well, we couldn't discover life in its truth. In this respect, history is useful to establish the identities of individuals and people in the nation.

Second, We can lean wisdom of life. The present is connected to the past, and there is no present that has no past. So we can realize and solve the problem at hand. Furthermore, we can expect our future.

It is the history that is the unique identity, culture, knowledge, itself. However, I think that we just learned the historical fact without understanding them. There is no consideration on how to learn precepts through history.

Many people have known the reason why we have to learn history is that we can understand the present through history and prepare for our future. That is the correct answer and the way to study history. However, it seems that we are still walking on the opposite way though we know the reason. They laid great emphasis on the history education but we just follow the education system of the past with the view that students won't study without test.

▲ Many students are increasingly avoiding history class.(Source : Segye Ilbo)

It seems that we study history for going to the prestigious university or for getting a well-paid job. Is it right that we consider a person as ignorant about history who are poor at memorizing historical fact? Many students hate the history class for the reason there are so many things to memorize. And it showed that our curriculum has problem. What is your opinion about history education?

Written by Yoon Jeongwon