Uses of history: In theory and teaching practice

Abstract

History is constantly used in different contexts with different purposes, and people encounter uses of history in their everyday lives. Views of history and how it is framed could be tendentious and intentionally exaggerating, or neglecting historical facts and contexts. Accordingly, it is important to teach students to analyse and reflect – to decode and interpret – the uses of history. The article explores how history is used by various individuals and groups for different purposes. It emphasises that history is not just about studying past events, but also about understanding how these events are interpreted and used in contemporary contexts. A framework for analysing uses of history, a basic model for practical teaching is presented with exercises and questions for classroom activities.