Why is History so awesome, but History class is generally so boring, dry, and dull in comparison?

Pre-College Topics High School Life
1

I like History. I’ve explored the Middle Ages on my own, visited museums and landmarks and desired to learn more about why they’re there, get excited when I see something and remember its history, read history related books, and even watch a bunch of history related videos and shows.

But when I get to class, I can’t stay awake. I can’t find myself to do the homework. I can’t stand the material or the books assigned or research or anything in it. And I’ve had my share of history teachers, some much more charismatic and engaging and didactic than others. Yet, the effect is the same: I learn little to none in class. But if I go ahead and watch a bunch of shows and explore on my free time, I can do this for hours on end and remember everything with near perfect accuracy, especially if it was a video or show.

Has anyone else had this problem? Where History in class pales in comparison to History taught in every other way? And how can I be more interested in “school” History?

2

I had that same problem throughout HS - while some history classes were partially interesting, most were rather dull.

3

I also have this problem. I genuinely enjoy history, but history loses its spark when it’s related to school. For me it’s probably because I’m in AP Euro, and so learning in that class is more about getting facts and themes memorized, and not about being able to soak up the material at a leisurely pace. My teacher isn’t part of the problem, though. She’s a great person who genuinely knows and loves history. It’s just that because it’s an AP class, I’m not able to take my time and enjoy the curriculum.

My world geography teacher last year, though, completely faked his way through teaching his classes. It’s no surprise I hated that class, even though I liked the lessons.

4

Personally, I like history because it is amazing how it still affects our modern life despite being in the past. The problem with a lot of history classes (especially APUSH/AP Euro) is that you are just learning dates and facts but teachers aren’t giving any context to modern connections.

For example, I was in AP Euro when Russia invaded Crimea and we were covering the Crimean War during that exact time. My teacher didn’t even mention the connection and I think that was a loss opportunity. Too many people think history has no effect on our modern life but they couldn’t be more wrong.

5

If it’s dull, it’s the currirculum and/or the teacher.