Knowledge, historical thinking and skills

[Extract] ...this chapter explains how historical knowledge is constructed and what it means to 'think historically. This chapter is far more theoretical than chapters that follow because it examines the research behind seven historical concepts and the five skills involved in historical inquiry mandated by the Australian Curriculum. It gives the theory that lies behind the practice. The use of historical concepts and skills applies to all years of schooling, from Foundation to Year 10 and in the senior secondary curriculum, although their application becomes more complex in the senior years. This chapter aims to equip teachers to be able to empower students to think historically for themselves, rather than disseminating beliefs through instructive memory lessons. The end game for teachers is to foster in students historical reflective selves who will be able to reflect upon their personal historical identity