Developing Understanding for Europe’s Past Developing Understanding for Europe’s Past Joke van der Leeuw-Roord Executive Director of EUROCLIO European Forum “United Europe – United History” Seimas Vilnius, Lithuania 2012 November 15-16

European Values

What can I offer you? Inform what is EUROCLIO about Inform what is EUROCLIO about Address the focus on the national single narrative and mirror of pride and pain in history education Address the focus on the national single narrative and mirror of pride and pain in history education Explore if current presentation of European history fosters a United European History Explore if current presentation of European history fosters a United European History Give suggestions for approach and actions increasing an common understanding of European History Give suggestions for approach and actions increasing an common understanding of European History

December 1991, Council of Europe, History Teaching in the New Europe November 1992, EUROCLIO, the European Association of History Educators, established

In independent Member Associations of History and Citizenship Educators from 46 countries. 15 Associated Members from 12 countries Democratic Association since 1992

TARGET GROUP History, heritage and citizenship education professionals willing to act as learners (Board) Members of EUROCLIO Member Associations Teachers in primary and secondary schools Teacher trainers Trainee teachers Textbook authors Curriculum developers Assessment Experts Advisors and inspectors Academic historians and specialists in history education Educational staff in museums and institutes Representatives of Educational Authorities

EUROCLIO MISSION EUROCLIO MISSION EUROCLIO supports the Development of Responsible and Innovative History and Citizenship Education by promoting. Critical Thinking, Mutual Respect, Peace, Stability and Democracy.

History education helps students understand the world they live in and supports their orientation for the future. “History is a rear window mirror, you must always check back but unless you keep focussed on the way ahead you’re going nowhere” Quote Mural in Belfast REFLECTION ON THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF TEACHING HISTORY

Politics of Memory and History Politics of Memory and History National Mirror of Pride and Pain Example Croatian Air Characteristics: 1.Pain and Victim hood 2.Pride 3.Little Shame and Self Reflection

EUROCLIO Questionnaire 2010 “ ” EUROCLIO Questionnaire 2010 “ My country’s approach to multi-perspectivity is satisfactory ” Single Narrative

Challenge: Impacting not manipulating students’ emotions a big challenge legitimate request of victims, suffering acknowledged not to burden a new generation with new fuel to prolong hatred and willingness to fight. … it will be a big challenge to fulfil the legitimate request of victims, that their suffering should be acknowledged in textbooks and at the same time not to burden a new generation with new fuel to prolong hatred and willingness to fight. Elisabeth Cole (2010)

National pride from values atlas

EUROCLIO Q 2010 Recent “ EUROCLIO Q 2010 Recent “ changes in the history curriculum in my country led to a more local / regional, national, European, global perspective.” Local/RegionalNational European Global

European History Q 2005; Representation of European History in the curricula for years old/compulsory subject

European history 2005 Q; Representation of European history for 15-18/19 years old?

Time 2005 Q, Time to cover European issues?

How to proceed?

RESPONSIBLE HISTORY TEACHING to question Willingness to question and to deconstruct historical myths evidence Accept that history is based on verifiable and cross-referenced evidence multi-layered Understand that history is made of multi-layered narratives interpretation Recognize that history is interpretation

INNOVATIVE HISTORY TEACHING Renewed Historical Paradigm. Implementing a Renewed Historical Paradigm. Competencies Developing Competencies: Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes.

INNOVATIVE HISTORY TEACHING New Historical Paradigm Balance between Political, Cultural, Economic and Social Perspectives Gender Global History Approach Diversity Everyday Life Migration Human Rights Balance between Geographical Dimensions

Come and join a multi-facetted event and contribute to shaping the face of contemporary history education. Learn, inspire, share, develop and listen with 200 peers and experts. Use this chance to see education from manifold perspectives and profit from taking part in this multinational event. HISTORY ON THE AGENDA Annual Professional Development Courses since 1992 HISTORY ON THE AGENDA EUROCLIO Annual Professional Development Courses Learn, inspire, share, develop and listen with 200 peers and experts. Come and join a multi-facetted event and contribute to shaping the face of contemporary history education. Learn, inspire, share, develop and listen with 200 peers and experts. Use this chance to see education from manifold perspectives and profit from taking part in this multinational event.

Alternative pan-European Teaching Tool

Role of politicians What can be done? Reduce emphasis on national political history Reduce emphasis on national political history Stimulate a cross-border approach in school history Stimulate a cross-border approach in school history Encourage exploring common themes, also showing positive experiences Encourage exploring common themes, also showing positive experiences

Need for Investments and Action! Need for Investments and Action! Build independent cross border museums Build independent cross border museums Create cross-border heritage resources such as Europeana Create cross-border heritage resources such as Europeana Support cross border accessible on-line educational tools such as Historiana Support cross border accessible on-line educational tools such as Historiana Stimulate cross-border training of history educators Stimulate cross-border training of history educators Empower European Heritage Label Empower European Heritage Label Support EUROCLIO, keep EU Operational Grants Support EUROCLIO, keep EU Operational Grants