National and Religious Ideologies in the Construction of Educational Historiography: The Case of Felbiger and the Normal Method in Nineteenth Century Teacher Education

This book explores how national and religious ideological preferences have shaped educational historiography in Europe, promoting a canon of glorified historical heroes and moral instruction based on national and religious values. It demonstrates how biased historiographies are used to support specific pedagogical and curricula models and how these narratives impact our understanding of early national histories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This volume explores the reception of Johann Ignaz Felbiger, a prominent Austrian school reformer, and his pedagogical thought in European histories of education during the nineteenth century. By documenting the diverse national and religious ideological preferences that have shaped educational historiography, it sheds light on the construction of fundamental biases. Spanning over 200 years and multiple national contexts, the book presents case studies of France and Switzerland, as well as a close analysis of historical documents and textbooks. Through these investigations, it becomes evident how a canon of glorified historical heroes has been prioritized over other educational actors, with the ultimate goal of morally instructing future teachers according to national and religious values.

Based on a robust array of historical sources, the author compellingly demonstrates how biased educational historiographies are employed to gain support for specific pedagogical and curricula models. By delving into the textbooks used in teacher training and examining the work and actual influence of Felbiger's method in Catholic parts of Europe, the book offers a profound understanding of how these narratives shape our understanding of early national histories.

This volume contributes significantly to the field of curriculum studies by offering new insights into the history of education. It will appeal to scholars and researchers with a keen interest in the history of education, as well as comparative teacher education.

Weight: 800g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032070759