ABSTRACT
The aim of this chapter is to draw upon earlier chapters to clarify ideas about some effective approaches to humanities teaching. In particular, it will be argued that experiential learning and cross-curricular approaches to learning are a particularly effective way of developing understanding in the humanities. In this chapter we shall emphasise the importance of empathy in helping children to decentre and to take on board differing viewpoints. With this in mind we shall include a discussion of the value of the more elaborate ‘staged event’ along with the use of role play and drama in the learning of history in everyday classroom contexts. We will show how opportunities can be made for promoting the learning of religious education and geography as well as for exploring questions of human experience in general such as conflict resolution.
