Aesthetic Education in Developing a Historically Relevant Pedagogy

• In Event: Emancipatory Social Studies Pedagogies

Abstract

In this article, I argue that by integrating aesthetic edu-
cation into history instruction, teachers can create a “historically
relevant pedagogy.” This approach paints a more complete picture of
history and reflects students’ varied learning styles and their sociocultural needs, interests, and experiences. Historically relevant pedagogy integrates the frameworks of aesthetic, historical, and culturally relevant educational approaches. Through this pedagogical combination, students can develop historical literacy, experience academic excellence, and become socioculturally aware of their role in society. The conclusions of this study suggest a need to redesign high school history courses to include more aesthetics-based instruction.

Author

• Georgia Belesis, Concordia University Chicago