Teaching History in Reverse

This web log is dedicated to exploration of the idea and practice of learning and teaching history from present to past, i.e., in reverse chronological order from what is traditional. It is believed that this approach may be advantageous to learning history, to an appreciation of history, and to the empowerment of the learner.

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Location: Boise, Idaho, United States

I am a teacher, writer, activist, and philosopher.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

some "history in reverse" references

Here are some references to the subject of teaching history "in reverse":

http://www.historians.org/perspectives/issues/2000/0003/0003tec1.cfm

The above is an article titled "A Teaching Strategy: Teaching U.S. History Backwards," by Annette Atkins. It is from the March 2000 issue of the journal Perspectives.


I understand that the following book was written from the present to the distant past:

Longworth, Philip (1997) The Making of Eastern Europe (2nd Edition). NY: pub n/a.


Other articles that may be of interest:

Davis, G.H. & Laushey, D.M. Tampering with the Temporal Order. History Teacher 5(3), pp.40-44. March, 1972.

Greenwood, B. Adventures in Learning - History in Reverse. Gifted Education International, 12(1), p. 39. 1997.

Pfannkuche, C.L. A Modest Proposal for History Teachers. Social Studies 62(6), pp. 243-46. November, 1971.



Monday, July 26, 2004

Welcome to Teaching History in Reverse

Greetings. This group blog has been set up to foster dialogue and sharing of ideas regarding the concept and practice of teaching history in reverse chronological order.

The reasoning behind teaching history "backwards" is that it transforms the study of history from a distant narrative - whose relevance to the learner may not be apparent - into a compelling inquiry into why things are the way they are, and why they became the way they did.

Some teachers have already had success with this method. Others are intrigued by the idea. Perhaps our inquiry will give rise to new ideas for curricula and curricular materials like textbooks that are tailored for the "history backwards" approach.

If you wish to join this Blog as a contributing member and have not yet been invited, feel free to e-mail me, Matthew Shapiro, at mshapiro@follettfoundation.org.