It is more important for schoolchildren to learn about local history than world history.

To
what extent do you agree or disagree?

History has long been included in school’s curriculum to provide students with sufficient
knowledge about the bygone events and figures of many nations including their own
country. Therefore, many people hold the belief that it is of greater importance to educate
students on local history than world history. Personally, I gravitate towards the idea that
the teaching of national history should be prioritized over that of global past events and
figures for it stimulates pupils to preserve national identity as well as eradicates
generation gap, and that the ideal age for learning local history is that of students.

Firstly, those advocating the education of national history stand their ground in saying
that this offers an incentive to maintain national distinctions. Learning about the glorious
bygone periods of the nation may instill a sense of patriotism into students; thereby
encouraging them to preserve the values and specialties of their native country. For
example, as schoolchildren are taught about the different crafts invented by their
forerunners, they may well be impressed and strive to maintain these values’ existence.
This is of the utmost importance since a country’s cultural values’ survival is dependent
on the young generation.

Secondly, learning about national events that occurred in the past may bridge the gap
among people of different generations. Learning about the history of their own country,
students learn about the uphill battles, the crises and hardships their parents and
grandparents had experienced. As a result, they may be more understanding of the
difference in their opinions and those of their forerunners, therefore pay more respect to
the elderly. Consequently, fewer conflicts will arouse and the generation gap will be
bridged in the presence of mutual understanding.

Finally, it is schoolchildren who are easily enthused by the history of their own country.
Since the age of schooling is the ideal period to adopt new and long-lasting hobbies, it is
easier to instill an interest in national history into students than those of older age.
Moreover, schoolchildren who are familiarized with the heroes and heroines are more
likely to be inspired by the tales of national saviors and want to learn about the history of
their motherland.

In conclusion, in consideration of the generation barriers being eliminated as well as the

drive for national identity’s preservation, it is justified to say that more emphasis should
be placed on local history rather than world history.