Curious teachers, create curious learners and great historians

ABSTRACT

Engel, S. [2011. “Children’s Need to Know: Curiosity in Schools.” Harvard Educational Review 81 (4): 625–645] stated that curiosity should be cultivated in our schools as it is intrinsic to children’s development. However, this is often absent from classrooms. In this paper we aim to explore some of the factors that have led to a lack of curiosity in today’s classrooms by identifying the impact of rapid policy and curriculum change. We will then justify the importance of creative teaching to develop curiosity, not only in children but also in their teachers – curious teachers develop curious learners. We will conclude by sharing some case studies to illustrate how curiosity can be developed using history lessons as a platform.

KEYWORDS:

• Teaching history
• curiosity
• controversial issues
• policy and practice
• children’s voices
• enquiry

Acknowledgement

Thanks to Wallscourt Farm Academy, Penelope Harnett and Easton C.E. Academy for their involvement in this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.