Teaching about Pandemics and Natural Disasters: How can we Build on what we have Learned?

Thursday 1 December 2022, 14.00-15.30

The way a specific topic is taught in history classes provides insights into states’ priorities and the future they envisage. Is there an emphasis on the history of earthquakes and natural disasters in Western Balkan countries? Do young people in the Caucasus learn about previous health crises at school? How do teachers in Western Europe deal with these topics in history classes?

While looking at the findings of OHTE’s First Thematic Report on “Pandemics and Natural Disasters as Reflected in History Teaching”, this session will reveal how these topics are taught today and reflect on how these findings can help authorities and stakeholders to anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.

Mr Raul CÂRSTOCEA, Lecturer in European History, Maynooth University, Vice-Chair of the Scientific Advisory Council of the Observatory on History Teaching in Europe

Ms Caitriona NI CASSAITHE, Assistant Professor in History Education at Dublin City University, member of the expert group and the History Educators International Research Network (HEIRNET)

Mr Malte THIESSEN, Professor of Modern History, Carl von Ossietsky University of Oldenburg

Ms Ann-Laure LIEVAL, Advanced Degree in History, History-Geography Teacher, Member of EuroClio

 Video on the key findings of the OHTE's first thematic report "Pandemics and natural disasters as reflected in history teaching"