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: Paperback / softback
Length: 334 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive 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 examining a vast span of over 200 years and diverse national contexts, the book uncovers how national and religious ideological preferences have shaped the construction of fundamental biases in educational historiography. Through detailed case studies of France and Switzerland, as well as a close analysis of historical documents and textbooks, the author reveals how a canon of glorified historical heroes has been prioritized over other educational actors, with the ultimate goal of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 meticulously 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 sheds light on how these narratives shape our understanding of early national histories.

This volume offers valuable insights into the history of curriculum studies and will be of interest to scholars and researchers with a passion for the history of education, as well as comparative teacher education.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032070766