Heraldic Visitations in England
Cloze texts like the one created on Medieval English Heraldry offer several didactic advantages. Firstly, they encourage close reading and comprehension, as students must pay attention to each word to understand the context and meaning. This can be particularly beneficial when dealing with historical topics, which might be unfamiliar to them. The use of marked keywords helps students focus on important concepts and terminology, enhancing vocabulary building and content retention. The task of identifying and understanding these keywords can also stimulate critical thinking and analytical skills.
In the context of the created text, students can learn about an aspect of medieval history that is not often covered in depth in standard curricula – the role of heralds and heraldic visitations. This can spark interest in the broader subject of medieval society and culture. The text also offers cross-curricular links, such as to art (through the study of heraldic symbols) and genealogy.
Furthermore, cloze texts can be used in different teaching phases. In the introduction phase, they can provide a concise overview of a new topic. During the development phase, they can be a basis for further exploration and discussion. In the evaluation phase, they can serve as a tool for assessing student understanding of the topic. This particular text, with its focus on heraldic visitations, offers a unique glimpse into medieval life, law, and culture, making it a valuable addition to the study of this period.