History is often seen as a boring subject that has little to do with our present and future. But what if I told you that history can help you understand the current global issues and challenges, learn from the past successes and failures of humanity, and inspire you to act for a better world? That’s what I discovered after hosting a panel of experts for sixth grade students who creating a podcast series on the importance of studying history.

The panel consisted of professors, advocates, non-profit global organizations, and connections and networks all over the world. The panelists talked about how studying history had enriched their personal and professional development and how it had helped them understand and address some of the global issues and challenges we face today which is the reason many of them do the work they do today.

The panel discussion was divided into three main questions:

• How do global issues like climate change and pandemics affect our lives, and what can individuals and communities do to mitigate their impact?
• How have historical events and conflicts shaped our understanding of the world, and what lessons can we learn from them?
• How have social issues like women’s rights evolved over time, and what are the driving factors that motivate individuals to fight for equality and justice?

These themes were derived from all the research questions submitted by the three classrooms. We took all their questions and tried to categorize them as you can see in the document and slidedeck.

As I listened to the panelists’ stories and insights, I realized that studying history is not only about memorizing facts and dates, but also about understanding ourselves and our world better. Studying history can help us develop critical thinking skills, empathy for others, and a sense of responsibility for our future. While I believe this passionately and try to spread these ideas in the work I do, I was reminded time and time again about new ways of thinking about this important work.

Here are some of the key takeaways that I got from the panel discussion:

Studying history helps us understand the complexity of global issues

The panelists discussed how studying history can help us understand the causes and consequences of global issues like climate change and pandemics, and how they are interconnected with social, economic, political, and cultural factors. They also shared some examples of how individuals and communities can take action to mitigate their impact by learning from past successes and failures.

For instance, one of the panelists mentioned the Living Building Challenge The Stanley Center in Iowa as an example of a sustainable building that uses renewable energy sources and water conservation systems. The Stanley Center is a nonprofit organization that works to prevent genocide, violent conflict, and climate change. The panelist explained how the building reflects the organization’s mission and values by being environmentally friendly and socially responsible. He also said that studying history had inspired him to pursue a career in environmental engineering and to join the Living Building Challenge project as an intern.

Another panelist talked about the Water Crisis project by the United Nations that aims to raise awareness and mobilize resources for improving access to safe water and sanitation around the world. She said that studying history had made her more aware of the importance of water for human survival.

Additionally, the panelists spoke the historical causes and effects of water scarcity, such as wars, famines, diseases, migrations, and inequalities.

Studying history helps us connect to the present

Studying history helps us learn from the past and apply it to the present. The panelists explained how studying history can help us appreciate the diversity and complexity of human experiences and cultures across time and space. They also highlighted how history can help us learn from the mistakes and achievements of previous generations and apply them to our current situations. For example, one of the panelists shared her experience as part of  AFS-USA, an organization that promotes intercultural learning through international education programs. She said that studying history had helped her understand the different perspectives and values of people from different countries and backgrounds. She also said that she had learned about the history of conflicts and cooperation among nations and how they had shaped the world we live in today. Additional ideas shared were about how to participatedin Model UN, a simulation of the United Nations that helps students develop their research, writing, and debating skills.

Studying history helps us stand up for equiality and justice

Studying history helps us fight for equality and justice. The panelists discussed how studying history can help us recognize the struggles and achievements of women throughout history and how they have contributed to social change and progress. They also emphasized how history can inspire us to fight for equality and justice in our own contexts and communities. For example, one of the panelists mentioned HeForShe, a global movement that invites men and boys to join the cause of gender equality and support women’s empowerment. Studying history helps to be more aware of the challenges and opportunities that women face in different parts of the world. Learning about the historical role models and leaders who had advocated for women’s rights, such as Susan B. Anthony, Malala Yousafzai, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Today I was a learner!

Today was a great learning experience for all. For me personally, this served as a very important reminder about recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding history, acknowledging individual stories and their impact on historical narratives, promoting a global approach to human rights issues, and considering both formal policies and informal actions when evaluating progress in areas like women’s rights. Studying history has changed my perspective on the world and its relevance for today’s challenges and opportunities. I hope this blog post has inspired you to explore history in new ways and to appreciate its value for your personal and professional growth.

The panelists’ stories and insights revealed that studying history goes beyond memorizing facts and dates—it’s about understanding ourselves and our world. As you reflect on this discussion, consider the following questions:

1. How can learning from history empower us to address current global challenges more effectively?
2. What role does history play in shaping your understanding of today’s social and political issues?
3. In what ways can the study of history inspire and guide us in creating a better future?

History provides invaluable lessons for understanding the present and shaping the future. Let’s embrace it as a tool for personal growth, social progress, and global change.

Panel Resources

Slidedeck: Panel on the Importance of Studying History Introductions

Resources shared during student questions

• Holocaust Survivor Profiles | Illinois Holocaust Museum – Survivor profiles from the Illinois Holocaust Museum
• Aaron Elster – Illinois Holocaust Museum 
• Welcome to the Point Alpha Foundation – Fulda 
• DDR Museum 
• How D-Day Was Delayed By A Weather Forecast | Imperial War Museums
• D-Day: The Century’s Best Kept Secret | The Saturday Evening Post
• Fooling Hitler: The Elaborate Ruse Behind D-Day   
• Digging into D-Day | Expedition Unknown Official Show Page | Discovery 
• Question 1:How do global issues like climate change and pandemics affect our lives, and what can individuals and communities do to mitigate their impact?
  • Living Building Challenge Stanley Center – Living Building in Iowa | Stanley Center for Peace and Security
  •  Water Crisis – Water | United Nations
  • Jill Woerner AFS – AFS-USA  
  • Quad City Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees (QCAIR)
  • Quad Cities – World Relief
  • About | Tapestry Farms | Support for Refugees in the Quad Cities   
  • Water Crisis, Thirst by Varsha Bajaj
• Question 2: How have historical events and conflicts shaped our understanding of the world, and what lessons can we learn from them?
  • Model UN – UNA-USA 
• Question 3: How have social issues like women’s rights evolved over time, and what are the driving factors that motivate individuals to fight for equality and justice?
  • HeForShe