This study investigates controversial topics in Swedish history education and strategies to handle them. Skolinspektionens report indicates that 21 out of 30 schools need to reconsider their work with these subjects. To work with controversial issues in schools is fundamental for developing democratic thinking and being able to have an active role in society. To conduct this study, data was collected through mixed methods, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Six teachers were interviewed. Prior to the interviews, they were asked to rank nine topics from the core content of Swedish history education in terms of controversy, inspired by Woodley's study. The interviews were based on the teachers' rankings. During the interviews, the teachers elaborated on their reasons and their strategies on how to handle controversial topics. The informants were also asked to rate themselves on a ten-point scale, referred to as the risk-taking scale, inspired by Kitson and McCully's research. The results of our study indicate that several topics can be considered controversial, influenced by significant factors such as present student groups and connections to current social issues and conflicts. Some strategies were common among teachers, such as never ignoring controversial discussions. One of the most important factors for containing a civil discussion is to have a good relationship with your students. These factors have a meaningful role in the develop our future democratic citizens. However, there were variations in strategies employed.Through our analysis, we can identify why certain topics may become controversial, as well as which strategies are effective in managing conflicts and strong opinions in the classroom.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:mau-67697 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Engström, Filippa, Kammarfelt, Matilda |
| Publisher | Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för lärande och samhälle (LS) |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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