Teaching empathy in history class

What is it about?

History education that focuses on multiperspectivity and enhances empathy for different perspectives can play a role in promoting reconciliation in a (post) conflict context. Historical empathy has long been part of history education, with the aim of better understanding the actions of people from the past and citizenship goals as taking other perspectives of people in the present and enhancing empathy. Teaching sensitive history during and after conflict situations is, however, challenging for teachers. This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of how history teachers can foster empathy in history lessons about (post) conflict and polarized situations using eyewitnesses. It examined how two Dutch history teachers in the Netherlands implemented lesson units about the Israel-Palestine conflict that were designed according to six design principles for teaching empathy in history class. We studied teachers’ experiences, their considerations for their pedagogic actions and choices, and their concerns. The study involved a four-lesson unit in five classes (N = 97), with eyewitnesses playing a central role. These included guest speakers from an Israeli and Palestinian background (who lived there and return regularly to their families) and individuals featured in a documentary. Data was collected through video recordings (20 lessons), written observation memos, and teacher interviews. Findings show the design principles gave teachers concrete tools to teach empathy, offering flexibility for individual teaching styles. However, two principles require special attention: awareness of positionality and handling multiperspectivity. While implementing multiperspectivity is demanding, it holds promise for enhancing students’ empathy.

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Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

Photo by Levi Meir Clancy on Unsplash

Why is it important?

History education on the Israel-Palestine conflict can play a role in promoting reconciliation. This study shows how teaching multiperspectivity and empathy helps students understand different sides of the conflict.

Perspectives