History's Children: History Wars in the Classroom

by Anna Clark

What is it about Australian history? Students dismiss the subject for being boring while politicians and concerned parents fret over their lack of historical knowledge. The classroom has become the battleground of the ‘history wars’, yet no-one ever asks the children what they think about Australian history and what they like—or don't about learning it. Through interviews with around 250 Australian students from a wide variety of schools, Anna Clark asks how teachers and students teach and learn Australian history. This book is a lively and often surprising read that throws all kinds of challenges to students, teachers and indeed, politicians.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

About the author

Anna Clark is an Australian historian.

Reviews

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking, but affirmed my suspicions on the poor approach to teaching history in Australia.

[Sharkcrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a trainee history teacher I found this fascinating. A must read for anyone with interest in history education in Australia.