The AVATAR-method in a Maltese secondary school context

Abstract

The AVATAR-method is an activity which allows students to develop their "historical empathy" skills in a manner that is nuanced and interesting (Tak, 2018). This dissertation explained what the AVATAR-method entails as well as its benefits. Thus, providing secondary school history teachers in Malta with knowledge pertaining to a new activity they can use in their classrooms. Included in this work was a chapter dedicated towards placing this method within a Maltese secondary school context. A variety of challenges that might arise through the use of this activity were delved into and solutions for these challenges were provided for teacher use. The research method used in this dissertation was that of a bibliographic search. Online and physical sources of information were used in both a theoretical and applied manner. This dissertation provides detailed information on the AVATAR-method and the benefits of its use. It includes three ready-made fictional characters, created following the procedures for character creation in the AVATAR-method, who are respectively related to three important Maltese historical events, these being; the Great Siege, World War I in Malta and the Sette Giugno conflict. The challenges that were delved into included the utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (regarding the AVATAR-method) by students and how to make sure that students are developing skills in historical empathy properly. Any secondary school history teacher in Malta is able to use the information and practical suggestions provided in this work and implement the AVATAR-method into their classrooms in order to foster historical empathy.