“There’s no way we can teach all of this”: Factors that influence secondary history teachers’ content choices

Brian Girard, Lauren Mc Arthur Harris, Linda Kay Mayger, Taylor M. Kessner, Stephanie Reid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

This mixed-methods study explored the factors secondary history teachers use to determine historical content for their classrooms and the degree of perceived control in decision-making. Through a survey (N = 260) and follow-up interviews (n = 23), we found that secondary history teachers in the United States ranked historical significance most highly in their curricular decision-making, but the extent to which teachers felt they were able to exert control over curricular decisions was influenced by required assessments and other contextual factors. Nevertheless, many teachers also prioritized student interest and relevance when choosing historical content. Interviews revealed complexity in teachers’ thinking and additional context-specific (dis)incentives (e.g., fear of controversy) regarding curricular choices. Implications for teacher education and policy are emphasized.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)227-261
Number of pages35
JournalTheory and Research in Social Education
Volume49
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Curriculum
  • decision-making
  • history education
  • standards
  • teaching

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Sociology and Political Science

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