Samuel Zhang

My lessons are centered around exploring historical sources and using them as a starting point for deeper discussion. I like to guide students through a variety of materials, including primary documents, extracts from historians, and visual sources, helping them understand the context, significance, and perspective of each piece. By examining the sources closely, students can develop critical thinking skills and gain a clearer understanding of how historical knowledge is constructed. I encourage students to consider the origin of each source, the purpose behind it, and the potential biases that might affect its reliability. This helps them build analytical skills and learn to approach historical evidence thoughtfully and critically.

After working through the materials, we move into discussion, where I encourage students to ask questions, share their interpretations, and consider alternative viewpoints. I aim to create a space where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and challenging ideas, which helps them engage more actively with the subject and build confidence in their analytical abilities. Discussions are often open-ended, allowing students to connect specific events to broader historical themes, social developments, or contemporary issues. I also provide guidance and feedback to help students refine their arguments and structure their reasoning effectively.

Through this approach, students learn not only to understand historical events but also to think like historians, developing skills that will support them in exams, essays, and independent study. My lessons are interactive, thought-provoking, and designed to make history meaningful, relevant, and enjoyable for every student.