By Shayal Gurung ’24, staff writer

Reacting to the Past can be a fun way to teach college students.

Talking about the past is an innovative educational tool used by Dr. Andrew Owen, assistant professor of sociology. It’s a way that Owen ensures students understand certain historical events by making them a part of that history, leading to a greater understanding and providing a way for students to learn critical thinking skills while having fun.

On top of teaching students critical thinking skills in Owen’s sociology classes, this technique can also raise overall participation as it is a game, and most students enjoy games. The primary purpose of these games is so that students can better understand historical events. 

“Reacting to the Past is a method or a pedagogy to get a certain level of investment,” Owen said. “Writing speeches, asking questions, whatever else it might be, working with others as part of a group—it not only has the idea of a grade, but it also has this other aspect, which is we can win. Through that desire to win, you get that kind of investment and passion which is necessary for learning.”

Competition can be a good way for students to learn, as it helps students participate and engage in historical events. It encourages students to research what happened during those events to have a better result for the given scenario.

“You’re presented with a historical scenario but do not have to follow what happened,” he said. “You’ll find out what happened historically afterward. But it’s a game where you’re trying to creatively come up with solutions to something that in some cases is almost without solution.”

Learning through competition is fun, and Owen makes the games very interesting. It is a great educational tool, and the fun that comes from the scenarios he chooses is an added bonus.