“When am I ever going to use this in real life?” If you’ve ever heard this question from a student (or asked it yourself), you’re not alone—especially when it comes to history class. But what if history isn’t just about memorizing dates and names? What if it’s actually a powerful tool for navigating the real world? I’m going to break down the practical uses for history that may surprise you!

Practical Uses for History

1. Critical Thinking

Like with many classes, studying history works on developing your critical thinking skills. It asks you to think about varying perspectives to understand different problems and events that happened throughout the world’s (or a nation’s) history. Additionally, many students begin writing research papers in history class which asks them to evaluate sources on the web for accuracy. For this reason students are engaging with content in a new way while developing digital literacy skills too. It also allows students to have a better understanding of current events and conflicts happening in the world. This makes each student more educated on issues that are happening now without being influenced by the sea of misinformation that the modern world brings.

2. Decision-Making and Problem Solving

Decision-making and problem solving are 2 essential skills for all students. History makes a point to engage with students in lessons that require them to develop both! Additionally, history helps people prevent past mistakes. In the modern world, business, political, and educational leaders utilize historical studies to guide modern decisions being made. An example of this happening is how the COVID-19 pandemic responses were informed by studying the 1918 influenza outbreak. A peer reviewed article published by the National Library of Medicine had the following to say about it:

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the lives of people around the world, with significant death toll in addition to global social, political and economic impact. Many people have wondered how it compares to the seasonal influenza and prior pandemics. In order to better understand and manage the current pandemic, it is useful to compare it to historical pandemics, such as the Spanish influenza of 1918.

3. Career Applications of Historical Knowledge

There are multiple career fields that ask you to engage with historical knowledge:

  • Law (understanding legal precedents)
  • Politics and Public Policy (legislative history and civic engagement)
  • Journalism (contextualizing current events)
  • Museum Curation and Archival Work
  • Education and Academia

The concepts learned in middle and high school history classes teach students research techniques and historical context to all of the above mentioned careers. It’s important to note that history classes are great in that they teach students to question things and do research which are both useful skills to have.

4. Cultural Awareness and Communication

International business, diplomacy, public relations, and more all require professionals with a foundational understanding of cultural awareness and communication. History instills these skills through projects and research you do while studying. Respecting global cultures is one thing, but being able to understand them on a deeper level is even better in the professional world. This can help professionals forge new and respectful professional relationships that would otherwise be difficult without the proper cultural understanding/communication!

5. Personal Growth Through Historical Understanding

When history is examined, it can have a deep impact on a student’s self-reflection. Particular figures from history can serve as role models for students while influencing ethical decision-making skills that are otherwise difficult to develop. Additionally, students can gain perspective on their place in the world and can even help them explore new career and personal opportunities. Maybe a student sees Roosevelt as role model and now wants to study politics, or maybe they researched the history of Ireland and now want to live there! There are countless ways that history can alter our life choices.

How Tenney School Live Brings History to Life

Tenney School Live can bring history to life for your student all from the comfort of your own home! Our online program for grades 5 – 12 is taught entirely one-on-one. This gives students the opportunity to form close educational bonds with their teachers that can transform the way your child engages with school. If this sounds like the right fit for you, I recommend inquiring today for more information on how we can transform your students learning!