Module III methods/Strategies of Teaching History

The Dramatic Method
This method is derived from the words ‘to dramatize’ or ‘to act’. It is a method used to 
convert facts or skills to be learnt into drama in order to make the learning of such facts and 
skills more interesting and more real. In History, learners can act the role of many characters 
of honour in the past that assisted in one way or the other to bring about wars or 
development. e.g. the role of Mansa Musa in the development of an Empire in West Africa. 
Another topic that can be dramatized in history is: ‘War between two villages’ so as to 
indicate how one village became superior to the other and became Lord over the weaker 
village. 
3.7.1 Advantages of Dramatic Method 

The method is practical and child-centred. 

It makes recall easy and learning more meaningful and permanent. 

Active participation of all members of the class is encouraged. 

Learners’ power of imagination is developed. This may shape their character since 
some of the learners would want to imitate the lives of the role model they have represented. 
3.7.2 Disadvantages of Dramatic Method 

If the teacher is not careful, the drama may take much time at the expense of other 
lesson periods. 

If not properly organized, it may degenerate to rowdiness and noisy environment. 

Learners may be easily carried away by the enjoyment of dramatization and 
consequently, forget the purpose of the lesson. 

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3.8
Self-Assessment Exercise 
(i) 
How would you explain discussion method? 
(ii) 
As a History teacher which of the types of discussion would you prefer to employ? 
(iii) 
Think of a topic in history that can be treated conveniently using the 
project 
method. 
Let us look at the following topic in SSII History: The rise and fall of Mali Empire. In using 
a project method to teach the above topic, a teacher can divide the class into four smaller 
groups with specific tasks.