Enhancing Historical Thinking Skills through the Use of Local Oral Histories in Class 10 History Lessons at Garpawoong MSS

Rinzin Wangdi

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.70670

Enhancing Historical Thinking Skills through the Use of Local Oral Histories in Class 10 History Lessons at Garpawoong MSS

Author(s)	Mr. Rinzin Wangdi
Country	Bhutan
Abstract	This action research study, titled “Enhancing Historical Thinking Skills through the Use of Local Oral Histories in Class 10 History Lessons at Garpawoong Middle Secondary School,” aimed to improve students’ analytical comprehension of history by incorporating Bhutanese oral traditions into classroom teaching. The research was prompted by observations that students tended to depend on rote memorization and showed limited interest in engaging in critical historical analysis. A mixed-methods design was utilized, integrating both quantitative and qualitative techniques to collect data through pre-tests, post-tests, surveys, and classroom observations. Thirty students from Class 10 participated in the three-month intervention, which involved gathering, interpreting, and presenting local oral histories alongside community elders. Quantitative analysis conducted with paired sample t-tests indicated a statistically significant increase in students’ post-test scores (t = 4.359, p < 0.005), suggesting that the incorporation of oral histories had a positive effect on historical thinking skills. Qualitative results from surveys and teacher observations corroborated this finding, revealing increased student engagement, motivation, collaboration, and appreciation for Bhutanese culture. Students exhibited improved abilities in analyzing sources, comprehending cause-and-effect relationships, and identifying continuity and change. The intervention also enhanced the link between academic learning and local heritage, fostering culturally responsive teaching that aligns with Bhutan’s educational philosophy of Gross National Happiness. In summary, the study illustrates that the inclusion of local oral histories in history lessons effectively shifts passive, memorization-focused learning into an engaging and inquiry-based experience. This approach not only develops students’ historical thinking skills but also revitalizes the significance of community narratives as active sources of historical knowledge within Bhutanese education.
Keywords	Historical Thinking Skills, Oral Histories, Action Research, Cultural Heritage, Student Engagement, Bhutanese Education, Gross National Happiness
Field	Sociology > Education
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 2, March-April 2026
Published On	2026-04-05
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i02.70670

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Enhancing Historical Thinking Skills through the Use of Local Oral Histories in Class 10 History Lessons at Garpawoong MSS

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