This just in from the “no spin zone” – liberal professors are distorting history (see education for the aughts blog). Read this post and the comments – this is an interesting debate regarding the “purpose” of teaching of history.
I have not historically had an interest in history, but I am probably one of those liberal professors and appreciating my own ignorance may be a force for good. What I know about this topic I know because Cindy received a grant several years ago allowing her to focus on the development of a web site promoting the “hands on” teaching of history. We worked on a follow-up proposal (unfunded), but I read some of the literature regarding how historians view their work and view the way their work is used in K-12 education. One book I remember, “History on Trial: Culture Wars and the Teaching of the Past” reviewed the disputes surrounding what historians do and the controversy over what accounts of history will be taught. Ironically, O’Reilly has a book and a television spot titled “Culture Wars”.
My take on the core issues is that some want to use U.S. History as a means to develop patriotism. Others contend that the course should familiarize students with U.S. History. As I understand the argument (or at least a relevant perspective), there are events and there are the experiences of many individuals in experiencing those events. The history of “the famous men” is not the only perspective on events and we as a people are the product of many individual (and group) histories. There are “her stories”, the perspective of minorities, there are not so appropriate events and behaviors, but it is all our story.
What is it we want students to learn from the study of history? Part of the answer to this question, as I understand it, is that we want students to understand the process of historical inquiry. The complexity of history, the multiple perspectives, the opportunity to evaluate primary sources, etc. present the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and problem solving. These skills are perhaps more important than acquiring the stories of famous men that represented our own education. The world was different then and we were being prepared to face different challenges. We did not have to worry about the confusing messages we encounter daily. We did not have to worry about trying to make sense of the no spin zone.
