In a time of political turmoil, how do Mamaroneck High School students find trustworthy news on current events? Many turn to the influx of information popping up on their feed. Others hear snippets of information from the adults around them. However, only a minority read articles or watch the news. The majority admit to being unaware of the events occurring around them. Social Studies classes are designed to educate students on history’s successes and failures, growing their ability to become compassionate citizens capable of making significant changes. Yet, how can students make an impact if they are not conscious of what is happening in the world around them? Social Studies classes should not only cover the past; they should also cover the present.
Countless sources are floating around online claiming to have accurate news. Social media gives anyone the ability to share their opinions and spread news, leading many students to feel overwhelmed when trying to stay up-to-date on current events. Jagoda Siwinska (’29) stated that “Certain news outlets are trustworthy, but some are not.” She finds much of her news online and sees the benefit of learning about these events in class, saying, “I think it would be good for people to be more aware about what’s going on in the world.”
Many teachers already cover current topics in the curriculum. History teacher Grant Edick strives to include current events in his lessons. “I do already teach current events, especially in AP Gov, to the best of my ability. I link the curriculum to what’s happening in modern day as frequently as possible,” he said.
Educating students about current events will not only bring awareness, but it will also help them make connections to history. A student will be inspired to focus on and participate in lessons if they can relate it to the present. Long lectures can seem dull and even irrelevant, but if a student is mindful of current events, they are more likely to understand the importance of history and how it shapes the future.
Mr. Edick emphasizes this concept, saying, “I think it increases engagement when [students] can see and better understand what’s happening today. For example, with the whole government shut down, we spent time talking about the mechanics behind that, as well as in relation to what we were talking about in class in that unit. So we weren’t talking about the government shutdown, we were talking about government.”
Mr. Edick brings up an important point: not all current events are easily connected with certain topics being taught. “The biggest limitation is if it [a current event] doesn’t fit the content of the curriculum. Sometimes it doesn’t. Ancient Civilizations are a little bit harder to connect to modern events than AP Gov is,” he expressed.
However, even units such as Ancient Civilizations can relate to modern day. Enduring issues are long-lasting challenges society has faced and debated over generations. Many issues that humanity experiences today, like inequality, natural disasters, and violence, have existed for centuries. Ancient Civilizations were impacted by these events just as prominently as society today.
It is crucial for Social Studies classes to cover current events so that Mamoreneck High School students, the future generation, have the information necessary for them to make an impact. Many students admit to being oblivious to the news or hesitant about what information to trust. Lessons on modern-day issues go further than the classroom; they bring awareness and motivate students. School provides students with an education so they can better society, so current topics affecting the community should be included in the curriculum whenever possible.
