Inaugural lecture Prof B.A.J. (Johannes) Westberg: Why history matters in educational research: reflections from the intersection of the social sciences and the humanities

Historical research is a field that seldom is associated with the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences. In his inaugural lecture, professor Johannes Westberg argues that historical research also matters in this disciplinary setting. Using examples from his own research, such as that of 19th century classroom practices, the harassment of early 20th century female teachers and marketization processes in 21th century early childhood education, he will discuss the relevance of historical research today.

According to Johannes Westberg, if we want to better understand the current situation in education, we cannot avoid looking at the past. Whether it is about learning outcomes, student well-being or teaching methods, the past can help us do better in the future. Historical research provides a much-needed historical awareness, which is crucial if we are to avoid the fallacy of presentism, and if we are to properly understand and explain our current educational system. In addition, research in this field also promotes qualitative methods, attention to context, certain theoretical traditions, and not the least interdisciplinary and inter-faculty collaboration. As a result, historical research might have an even more important role to play in the Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, than the Faculty of Arts.

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Inaugural lecture: Prof B.A.J. (Johannes) Westberg

• Title: Why history matters in educational research: reflections from the intersection of the social sciences and the humanities
• Chair: Theory and History of Education

• Faculty: Behavioural and Social Sciences

Registration no later than 26 May via the registration form .

Livestream on 2 June 2023, see: www.rug.nl/digitale-oratie