Resources

It is difficult to choose secondary and primary sources for young historians. According to the author, two factors affect a student researcher’s decision when choosing sources. The first is in regards to his or her set of unique experiences and, secondly, how the researcher filters the available sources through a personal lens. Since we live in an information-rich world, student researchers often do not have a sustained attention of the past. This impedes historical understanding, which requires in-depth analysis and perspective taking. According to the author, history is one of the most controversial subjects taught. In reference to the Holocaust, since it is so politically charged, there are more issues than simple understanding. There may be difficulties in attempting to balance the cognitive and affective aspects of the Holocaust objectively. It is important for student researchers to build a framework around which to understand history through analysis of historical evidence. The author continues the article in three separate sections. The first deals with the politics of the Holocaust and how it is often a challenge to teach and sometimes creates a barrier to historical understanding. The second section discusses a methodological process and outcome interpretation of historical empathy in relation to the Holocaust. The final section critiques three popular curriculum guides on the Holocaust within the framework of historical empathy. The author concludes by discussing the considerations teachers face when teaching the Holocaust, such as whether to use prepared curriculum materials. The author also suggests that teachers employ the four constructs of historical empathy as outlined in the text and by Yeager, which provides students a framework for examining a historical event. Teachers must be cognizant of their positionalities and be clear about the reasons for teaching the Holocaust. (By the publisher)