Exploring Elizabethan Poor Laws

The use of a cloze text such as this one on the Elizabethan Poor Laws allows students to engage with historical content in an active manner by filling in key terms, which enhances their understanding and retention of the material. Cloze texts are particularly effective in helping students identify and understand key concepts and vocabulary. This approach not only helps in memorizing facts but also in understanding the broader context of historical events. By actively participating in the learning process, students are more likely to develop a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors that shaped the Elizabethan era and the development of early welfare systems. This method is suitable for various teaching phases, including introduction to new material, reinforcement of learned content, and assessment preparation. It encourages students to think critically about the distinctions between 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor and the societal values that influenced these distinctions, making the historical content more relatable and thought-provoking.