The challenge for teachers is the same as with anything historical. History can remain in the past but it also forms the basis for how we think and behave today. Application and relevance is the key to making this approach work. Current Issues Approach. On the other end of the spectrum opposite the constitutional history approach is applying civics to current events.
Students are usually familiar with and have interest in events occurring in their own environment.
They offer the opportunity to watch issues being debated by people living in the present and to observe how and why decisions are made. Students will understand little about current issues in depth unless they know what has happened in the past to bring these issues to the table. Making historical connections is the key to making this approach effective. The approach in the past has often relied heavily on a textbook and used a pedagogical pattern reflecting passive instruction. New approaches include mixing and blending elements of the current issues, constitutional history and law related education approaches.