Question

History is called a "memory" subject, and is often taught as a mere memorizing of facts, names, and dates. However, interest is the chief condition for teaching history. Without that interest, the small amount of historical facts accumulated by pupils in their school-days will be of little real value to them when they become adults. In fact, through this emphasis on interest instead of verbal repetition, pupils are likely to obtain a better knowledge of history and, at the same time, will have a chance to develop their powers of judgment. 1. Memory depends on attention; we must observe attentively what we wish to remember. In history, attention may be secured by making the lessons interesting by presenting the matter vividly; also by using means to make history real instead of having it a mere mass of meaningless words. 2. Facts we wish to remember should be grouped, or studied in relation to other facts with which they are vitally connected. The facts of history should be presented to the class in their relation of cause and effect, or associated with some larger centre of interest; in other words, pupils must understand, to some degree, what they are being asked to remember. 3. If we increase the number of connections, we are more likely to remember them. It is for this reason that history should be taught with correlated subjects, such as geography, literature, science, etc. For example, the story of the Spanish Armada is remembered better if we have read Westward Ho!; and the Renaissance is made clearer and is therefore remembered better, if we connect it with the inventions of printing and gunpowder. 4. Repetition is necessary to memory. Facts or groups of facts must be repeated to be remembered. This is the purpose of the drills which are necessary to good teaching, but they are only a part of it. Reviews are not to be considered merely as repetitions, but should be treated as aids to better understanding1. What is more important than memorization?
A - Learning facts, names and dates.
B - Teaching facts, names and dates.
C - Developing a person's power of judgment.
D - Having enthusiasm for a subject.

Answer 1

• One of the factors that is more extremely important than memorization is the interest or the enthusiasm in understanding the subject.

• In some cases, it is duty of the teacher to build the interest in the students.

If the classes are drab, students may will not be able to memorize the facts and information that are necessary to deliver sterling performance in the examination.