The Ordinary and the Anonymous

'Recognise that historical study is concerned not just with the powerful and influential but also with the ordinary and the anonymous.'

Leaving Certificate History Syllabus, p. 13

Learning Intentions

Explore the contributions of ordinary and anonymous people to history.

Consider your classroom contexts and share the ordinary and anonymous individuals whom you include to enhance students' understanding of a multi-perspective approach to history.

Dr Oran Finegan
Director of Forensic Action International

Reflection

Listen to the audio interview with Dr Oran Finegan and reflect on the following questions:

How could the introduction of lesser-known personalities or marginalised groups spark interest in your students?
Outside of the well-known names, which personalities do you look forward to teaching, and why?

Step 1

Take a few minutes to explore some of the people below

Click the images for further information

Viginia Hall

Annie 'Nan' Hogan

Garrett Morgan

Irma Grese

Hedy Lamarr

Count Pawel Strezlecki

Fannie Lou Hamer

Dr Oran Finegan

Step 2: Share the ordinary and anonymous individuals that you include

Instructions:

Open the Padlet below in full screen by clicking on the tab on the top right of the Padlet that has a box and an arrow in it.
Add a person by clicking the + button.
Option 1: You can add the person by typing in the location they are from, or the most relevant to.
Option 2: Drag and drop the pin anywhere on the map
Share the name of the person and information about them.

Step 3: Possible supports

Take a few moments to explore the supports below and consider how these may be used to support your students' engagement with the ordinary and anonymous.

Obituary

Profile

Timeline

Step 4: Support creation

Choose a support above that you would use in class when exploring the ordinary and anonymous with your students
Edit and amend one to support and stretch your students
Or create a new resource that you would use
Share your resource to the Padlet below