فاعلية برنامج مقترح قائم علي المحاكمات التجريبية في مادة التاريخ لتنمية المهارات الحجية والوعي بالقضايا الجدلية التاريخية لدى طلاب المرحلة الثانوية
The study aimed to develop some argumentative skills and awareness of certain historical controversial issues among high school students by implementing a proposed program based on mock trials in the history curriculum. The study sample consisted of 10 first-year high school female students at Port Said Secondary School for Girls, reduced from an initial students due to high absenteeism caused by health, familial, and personal reasons. This ensured active participation in the program and the credibility of the results. The research employed a quasi-experimental design with one group, utilizing pre- and post-measurements. To assess the program's effectiveness, two different tools were used to measure argumentative skills: a performance observation checklist during the mock trials and an applied test on a new topic (the French Revolution), as well as a test to measure awareness of historical controversial issues. The program included three main units, accompanied by a teacher’s guide and an observation card to track implementation. Statistical analyses using the Wilcoxon test showed significant differences at 0.01 the level in all argumentative skills and awareness of controversial issues, with effect sizes of (1) in each case, indicating a very strong impact of the program. Based on these findings, it is recommended to review curricula and include mock trial activities as a fundamental component in history and social studies courses. Further studies are also suggested to explore the program’s effectiveness over a longer timeframe and compare it with other teaching methods to verify its sustainability and identify the best ways to maximize its benefits. (Published abstract)