Using Visual History Testimony in the Classroom | The Center for Jewish-Inclusive Learning Portal

Topic

The Holocaust

Summary

This document is intended to help educators responsibly and effectively teach with testimony from the Visual History Archive. Educators will find testimony-based lessons, activities, and resources on IWitness. When used appropriately, video testimony from the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s Visual History Archive can:

Provide a human face to the past.

Engage students to critically think about universal themes of humanity and justice from an individual perspective.

Sensitize students to the value of a story as a valuable source of knowledge.

This resource includes guidelines to effectively teach with testimony. Recommended tactics include:

Create a rationale.

Know the intended audience.

Provide historical context.

Encourage transparency.

Include additional resources.

Choose testimony and edit appropriately.

Recommended Resources

Guidance

IWitness Educator Resources

Discover professional development opportunities, Holocaust-survivor testimony-based teaching tools, and tutorials to support integrating testimony into your classroom.

Grades:

K - 12

Guidance

Pedagogical Principles

Help students understand the Holocaust as a pivotal historical event using nine-principles emphasizing context, critical thinking, and the human story.

Grades:

6 - 12

Guidance

Guidance for Hosting a Holocaust Survivor or Descendent in the Classroom

Prepare your students to host a Holocaust survivor or descendant with this eight-step guide that fosters understanding, empathy, and reflective learning.

Grades:

6 - 12