How can you help students empathize with historical figures?

1 Use primary sources

Primary sources are documents, artifacts, or testimonies that were created or recorded by people who witnessed or participated in historical events. They can provide valuable insights into the perspectives, emotions, motivations, and struggles of historical figures, as well as the context and culture in which they lived. You can use primary sources to help students empathize with historical figures by asking them to analyze the source critically, identify the author's point of view and purpose, compare and contrast different sources, and reflect on how the source relates to their own experiences and values. For example, you can use letters, diaries, speeches, interviews, or memoirs to show how historical figures expressed their feelings, opinions, or goals, and how they responded to the challenges or opportunities they faced.

2 Use role-playing activities

Role-playing activities are scenarios or simulations that allow students to assume the roles of historical figures and interact with each other in a historical setting. They can help students empathize with historical figures by engaging them in active learning, requiring them to research and prepare their roles, and challenging them to think and act as their characters would. You can use role-playing activities to help students empathize with historical figures by providing them with clear objectives, guidelines, and resources, facilitating the interactions and discussions among the students, and debriefing the activity with reflection and feedback. For example, you can use mock trials, debates, interviews, or conferences to show how historical figures argued, negotiated, or collaborated with each other, and how they dealt with the consequences of their decisions.

3 Use ethical dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas are situations or problems that involve moral choices or judgments, and that have no clear or easy solutions. They can help students empathize with historical figures by exposing them to the complexity and ambiguity of historical issues, and by prompting them to consider the values, interests, and responsibilities of different stakeholders. You can use ethical dilemmas to help students empathize with historical figures by presenting them with realistic and relevant cases, inviting them to explore different perspectives and arguments, and encouraging them to justify their own positions and actions. For example, you can use case studies, scenarios, or questions to show how historical figures faced ethical dilemmas related to war, justice, human rights, or social change, and how they balanced their moral principles with their practical constraints.

4 Use emotional connections

Emotional connections are bonds or relationships that link students to historical figures, and that elicit feelings of empathy, sympathy, or compassion. They can help students empathize with historical figures by humanizing them, by highlighting their commonalities and differences, and by motivating them to care and learn more about them. You can use emotional connections to help students empathize with historical figures by selecting stories, characters, or themes that appeal to their interests, passions, or identities, by using multimedia, visual, or artistic resources that evoke emotions, and by creating opportunities for students to express their feelings and emotions. For example, you can use biographies, novels, films, or songs to show how historical figures lived, loved, suffered, or celebrated, and how they influenced or inspired others.

5 Use critical reflection

Critical reflection is the process of examining and evaluating one's own thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how they are influenced by various factors. It can help students empathize with historical figures by enhancing their self-awareness, by challenging their assumptions and biases, and by fostering their growth and development. You can use critical reflection to help students empathize with historical figures by modeling and scaffolding the reflection process, by asking open-ended and probing questions, and by providing constructive and supportive feedback. For example, you can use journals, portfolios, or rubrics to show how students can reflect on their empathy skills, on their learning outcomes, and on their personal and social implications.

Empathy is not only a valuable skill for students to learn about history, but also a vital skill for students to live in a diverse and interconnected world. By using these strategies, you can help students empathize with historical figures, and in turn, help them develop their historical thinking, their ethical reasoning, and their global citizenship.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?