This week's blog focuses on how my project(s) can increase a student's problem solving/critical thinking skills.
I think studying the Nazi Volksgemeinschaft can certainly increase students ability to think about history critically. Students often get a very one-sided (albeit accurate) interpretation of Nazism. Said interpretation often involves focusing on the evil deeds of Nazism and their racist ideology. However, the Volksgemeinschaft provides a very different interpretation of Nazism.
The Volksgemeinschaft shows a Nazism with purpose, not destruction. The Nazis are attempting to create an ideal German utopia that will continue to perpetuate itself generation after generation. Such an ideology shows that the Nazis were not solely rabid street thugs. The Nazis did not view themselves as such, but rather as the bearers of true German history; a history destined for something incredible.
That being said students can view the Volksgemeinschaft itself critically because it will evolve into a vision of genocide and war. However, the students can view the genocide and war with the Volksgemeinschaft in mind. These two conflicting, but true narratives will make students more open to thinking critically about various historical narratives. Once a student thinks critically about historical narratives, they are less likely to take arguments at face value. Seeing both the good and evil intentions of Nazism can open students to seeing such intentions in numerous arguments. The most important skill we can impart on students is being able to think for themselves.
Additionally, the project that involves students taking on a role in Nazi Germany can open their eyes to how any person can be compelled to accept evil if enough good is presented to cover it. Responsible citizens should be able to realize the good and bad of any decision they make. Ultimate History is a catalog of good and bad decisions made with arguments that had both good and bad intentions. If a generation of students can think critically and use history as a tool for their own decision making, then I think we Historians have done our jobs. I think my project(s) operate within this spirit.
Until Next Time!
Derrick Angermeier
No comments:
Post a Comment