Exploring Places of Memory and Their Legacies: Self-directed Learning, Activities and Questions for Reflection and Revision

This paper introduces some sources and methodologies which can be applied in order to encourage reflection on a key overarching themes and questions around places of memory and their legacies. It sets the scene by outlining the constructivist approach to learning. Inquiry-based learning is encouraged in order to deepen understanding, with an emphasis on exploring the complexity of the topic and appreciating multiple perspectives. Suggested project work and other practical hands-on activities help to provide a meaningful context for learning. Different types of sources are introduced, including cinema and literature, as well as online newspaper archives and colorised historic photographs. Readers are encouraged to ‘see for themselves’ by undertaking both real-world and virtual fieldtrips (using GoogleEarth). All of the activities are designed to support real engagement with the concepts of memory and commemoration, as well as encouraging the development of a range of different transferrable skills in relation to research and presentation.