INTERVIEW WITH LINDA LACOUR HOBAR (Third Part)

6. How should we teach History? How can we make History interesting for the students?

I think that history should be taught chronologically. It makes the most sense to see the cause and effect from one generation to the next. Each era feeds the other. I prefer to teach students about people rather than about dates and events. People are far more interesting than treaties and wars and inventions. Of course, they are all related, but I like to teach using biographies first, the events second.

7. How is home school education? Why is it important?

Home education is a growing trend in the United States. As public classrooms have grown more secular, many families choose alternatives. Private schools are a good option but many find them too expensive. The home is an excellent place to learn in the loving context of the family. It does require diligence and self-initiative. These are great traits that must be developed to be a successful homeschooler.

8. What is your opinion about American Education? What should be changed about them?

American education is good and bad. There are still some excellent schools, but overall, the quality of education has declined in our nation as students struggle with authority, discipline, and maintaining a work ethic. Broken homes contribute to difficulties in school. I do not know how schools can improve the quality of life of students from difficult homes. I do think the schools could better apply discipline and expect hard work.

INTERVIEW WITH LINDA LACOUR HOBAR (Second Part)

3. How do you write a History book? What it is necessary for that?

Educationally, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree. I was not a great writer in

college, but discovered that with having a passion for the subject of history, I

could write about it. I also had an audience. There are about one million

homeschool families in the United States and more around the world. I aim to

help them in their efforts to teach their children at home. Were it not for a need

in the subject, I don’t think I would be successful. I don’t “feel” like I’m that good

of a writer. By God’s grace, people have enjoyed my casual style of writing for

a subject that is required in school.

4. What period of World History do you like best? Why?

That’s a hard question to answer, because I like them all! However, presently

I’m enjoying the 20^th century, because it helps to explain the events of my own

lifetime. I do not feel like my generation has a good handle on the world wars. I

came from the era of the Vietnam War, and because it left a bad impression on

Americans, all wars since have been downplayed. I’ve learned more now about

the world wars then I did in school. I find the Cold War is particularly relevant to

my lifetime. I grew up “terrified” of communism.

5. What period of American History do you like best? Why?

I think the Revolutionary War is fascinating. I believe the Founding Fathers were an

extraordinary group of men. They knew their history, and applied the lessons learned from

history to shape a new nation – one based on freedom, liberty, and capitalism. The system

isn’t perfect, but I’m proud to be a part of the “great experiment.”