Some classes are much more active and involved than others. This year, my afternoon classes were enthusiastic and excited. The kids asked loads of questions and the discussions were great. My morning classes had nice kids, but they were very quiet and, as a result, required a different approach. We did more small group stuff with them.
Chronology is the biggest organizer for history.
I still believe that you have to take a basic chronological approach to the subject. I take the kids through the entire history of the Middle East from Biblical times to the present in World Civilizations. But things build upon each other so I still think chronology is important. If the students know what happened in World War I, then Bosnia today should be no surprise. History is the study of villains and heroes, of triumph and tragedy, of good and evil.