European Association of History Educators

History in general and history education in particular has been traditionally a topic subjected to fierce political interference, propaganda, and indoctrination. No other school subject leads to such emotional debates in society, in politics and in the media. There are unfortunately many recent examples of how history can be misused and abuse for petty political objectives. However, in the last decades there have been many interesting experiments in the field of history education to promote innovation and reform. The reform initiatives aim to make the subject attractive and challenging to the experience and reality of the generation that is growing up in the 21st century. A great deal of resources, both human and financial have been invested in these reform initiatives over the last 20 years These new approaches are based on multi-perspective historical narratives, empowering dialogue in education, and culture of democracy in order to promote the use of history education as an instrument for peace and reconciliation. These new developments in the discipline of history replace the traditional concept of history education based on a positivistic approach towards the discipline of history, on a hierarchic, and top-down attitude towards education, and on one-sided patriotic and proud attitude towards the national past.

Share Link: