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Swiss Schools Face History, Philosophy Teaching Challenges

History and philosophy classes are shrinking in Swiss schools. Educators are fighting to keep these subjects relevant and engaging, despite the challenges.

In the picture we can see some school children are standing on the path with school uniforms and...
In the picture we can see some school children are standing on the path with school uniforms and they are holding some papers in their hands and one girl is talking something near the microphone which is to the stand and behind them we can see a fencing wall and to the top of it we can see a shed with some balloons top it.

Swiss Schools Face History, Philosophy Teaching Challenges

The teaching of history and philosophy in Swiss schools is facing challenges. The hours dedicated to these subjects have been reduced in upper secondary schools. Meanwhile, educators are seeking ways to improve history teaching, despite resource limitations.

The term 'democracy' is being used excessively, potentially diluting its meaning due to political inflation. This comes as hours for history and philosophy/religion have been significantly cut in upper secondary schools in Switzerland.

Hans Malz, an educator, is seeking expert advice to tackle the complexity of teaching history. He aims to make the subject more accessible and engaging for students. The reunification of Germany, an achievement of democracy over dictatorship, is one historical event that could be highlighted to illustrate democratic principles.

However, the current history material at SBBZ is designed for a 10-year curriculum, but students only stay for nine years. This discrepancy may lead to incomplete learning. Some forum participants disagree with the statement about the reunification, indicating the need for diverse perspectives in teaching.

Dr. Steinke, part of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK), confirms that reductions were made by Frau Prien. Rainer Zufall suggests removing certain examples and adding historical context to teaching materials to improve learning outcomes. However, there are no new resources available for smaller subjects, making implementation challenging.

The reduction in hours for history and philosophy in Swiss upper secondary schools presents challenges. Educators are seeking ways to improve teaching methods, despite resource limitations. The complexity of history and the need for diverse perspectives must be addressed to ensure students receive a comprehensive education.

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