Seminar: Learning to Teach History in South African Classrooms

On 24 April, Institutions of Open Societies' Futures of Democracy platform organises the seminar 'Learning to Teach History in South African Classrooms: Controversial issues, Pedagogical Constraints, and Community' by Dr Judith Pace (University of San Francisco).

Controversy in the classroom

Around the world, education scholars advocate teaching controversial issues as a way to strengthen democracy and promote peace. But most teachers feel unprepared to take up this risky and demanding practice. University-based teacher education has a vital role to play in preparing novice history teachers to meet the challenges; however, conditions in classrooms and schools often stand in the way.

Drawing from a cross-national teaching and research project, Dr Pace examines a revealing case from South Africa, a country with a traumatic history and a turbulent present. She uses the concept of agency to analyse how one exemplary candidate used her personal history, future aspirations, and understanding of students and school conditions to foster discussion of controversy in two contrasting environments. The case raises critical questions about educating for democracy in a nation struggling with the legacy of apartheid. 

About Judith Pace

Dr Judith Pace, Professor Emerita of Teacher Education at the University of San Francisco, is a world-renowned scholar who has researched and published widely on democratic education. She conducted research as a Fulbright global scholar at the Universities of Sarajevo, Cape Town, and Pretoria, preparing preservice teachers to teach controversial issues. For the last several years, she has enjoyed consulting with schools and educational organizations across the U.S. and in other countries, conducting professional development that ranges from two-hour workshops to semester-long courses. Her scholarship is considered essential reading for anyone interested in democratic education and the teaching of controversial issues.

We hope to see you there!