Helping students to define and justify significance

Students imagine they are re-organising a gallery. They have to choose between the portraits of two well-known individuals – only one of them can stay on the wall. First, they write down what they think they already know about the two. Then they look at sources to find out more and to find arguments for their choice. This means defining the historical significance of each.

A specific example

When studying early 20th century society in Britain, the portraits of Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughter Sylvia Pankhurst may be contemplated.

Thanks to Richard McFahn and Neil Bates (http://www.historyresourcecupboard.co.uk).