Inclusive Classroom Strategies
Vocabulary Enhancement
Overall Impact
Creating a classroom environment that encourages thoughtful and inclusive discussions is essential for fostering a dynamic learning experience. Teachers in any content area can implement several strategies to ensure that their classrooms are safe spaces for all voices. I want to share how these strategies would specifically work in a history classroom! I will have all sources that I used to create this post, linked in the title of each section.
Ongoing Conversations strategy is ideal for a history classroom, as it ensures broad participation. History can get very confusing, for students and historians alike. In the classroom, scaffolding discussions through teacher prompts allows meaningful discussions with peers and give students a deeper understanding. It is an engaging way to deepen students’ understanding of historical texts. Start by placing a text, like a primary source or article, in the center of a large paper and invite students to write their thoughts, questions, and responses around it. By rotating groups to different papers, students engage in a silent, written conversation that allows them to see diverse perspectives and interpretations. This process encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and a more personal connection to the material, helping students grasp complex historical ideas in a way that feels interactive and thought-provoking.
Building vocabulary is key to understanding history. Fisher and Frey suggest starting with wide reading to expose students to academic terms beyond the textbook. Next, select essential words to teach, focusing on general academic terms (like “analyze”) and history-specific terms (like “imperialism”). Model how to solve unknown words using context clues or word parts to encourage independent learning. Finally, engage students in discussions that use new terms meaningfully, like debates or group activities on historical topics. These steps make vocabulary accessible and deepen students’ grasp of historical concepts.
The TQE Method focuses on students' Thoughts, lingering Questions, and Epiphanies creating, engaging, student-led discussions. After completing assigned readings, students can share their TQEs in small groups, then post top ideas for a whole-class discussion. As the teacher, you guide connections and clarifies points as needed. This approach motivates students to think critically and participate actively, making history discussions more dynamic and insightful.