History’s
Habits of Mind
The
National Council for History Education (NCHE)believes that historical thinking
develops a unique capacity to comprehend human situations, challenges, and
interactions. Thinking historically… fosters
the ability to make judgments about the present…and serves as a foundation for
life-long, productive learning and active citizenship.
1.
Grasp
the significance of the past in shaping the present.
2.
Perceive
past events and issues as they might have been experienced by the people of the
time, with historical empathy rather than present-mindedness.
3.
Read
critically to discern differences between evidence and assertion and to frame
useful and appropriate questions about the past.
4.
Interrogate
texts and artifacts, posing questions about the past that foster informed
discussion, reasoned debate and evidence-based interpretation.
5.
Recognize
that history is an evolving narrative constructed from available sources,
cogent inferences and changing interpretations.
6.
Appreciate
the diversity of cultures and variety of historical contexts, as well as to
distinguish elements of our shared humanity.
7.
Understand
the impact made by individuals, groups, and institutions at local, national,
and global levels both in effecting change and in ensuring continuity.
8.
Realize
that all individuals are decision-makers, but that personal and public choices
are often restricted by time, place, and circumstance.
9.
Negotiate
a complex, often uncertain and ambiguous world, equipped with the appreciation
for multiple perspectives.
10. Engage in patient reflection and constant reexamination of the past and present.
10. Engage in patient reflection and constant reexamination of the past and present.
