The state in which the subject finds itself in is not helped by, the fact that history is not a core. It is an option and its continued existence in the school curriculum depends on 'market forces'. The future of the subject lies in the ability of teachers of History to sell their 'product' to the learners. The place of the subject in the curriculum is not guaranteed. Bad news, I guess, for the likes of me who eke out a living through teaching History. In the face of the imminent demise of the subject, the prospect of waking up one morning and finding oneself jobless is looming. The sooner one furthers his education and diversifies sources of livelihood the better.
Currently History is receiving a cold reception from the learners. As an option, it is the least popular and least subscribed subject in almost all the schools. The modem and 'sophisticated' student describes History in all sorts of derogatory and demeaning terms. With the current crop of students only the present and the future matter. History is seen as an archaic, ancient and irrelevant study unconnected with moderm day realities and circumstances. This is an era of fast life and the moderm student, is forward -looking. The young generation does not have time and energy to invest in antiquities (the past). The subject is snubbed and shunned. This thing called fate works. Who would have thought that a subject that was once the darling of many students not so long ago, could experience this sudden change of fortunes? Amazing.
