Education and society: Options for the creation of a new history textbook discussed in Moscow

August 20, 2013 the Chairman of the State Duma, the Chairman of the Russian Historical Society during a meeting with historians and writers discussed the results of the work on the historical and cultural standards and the concept of a line of new history textbooks for schools. According to him, the results of recent surveys, conducted by polls, indicate a keen interest in Russian history. For example, 85 percent of Russians are proud of the history of Russia, 59 percent are of lively interest in it. “The figures are indicative and indicate that historical research has an impressive social base and the need to promote is obvious”.

Evaluating the results of the done work and the received standard comments and suggestions, S.  Naryshkin asked the participants of the working group to more actively involve representatives of the regions, as well as other professionals who can help make new textbooks available to students that are of interest both in content and the style of presentation.

According to the director of the Institute of World History Alexander Chubaryan, to the proposed historical and cultural standard has already been received hundreds of comments, they are worked out, and some of them will certainly be taken into account. By the elaboration of standards and concepts is involved the Russian Academy of Education, in addition, actively being discussed within the framework of pedagogical readings held throughout the country. It is expected that the conference scheduled for September with history teachers will give its systematic proposal.

All the participants were unanimous in the opinion that the new textbooks should not be limited to the dry enumeration of facts and events of national history. The textbook should be interesting, to be keen on a deeper and comprehensive study of the history of Russia.

The participants believe that the textbooks will need to be accompanied by well-designed anthologies, engaging visuals and the “history of everyday life”. In addition, according to the director of the State Archives of Russia Sergei Mironenko it is necessary to develop interactive learning stories, as an example he cited a draft of the State Archives “Archives – to schools” and for this purpose, to attract specialists to prepare new teaching aids. 

The Chairman of the Board RIO Sergei Shahrai offered as a supplement to anthologies and other accompanying benefits a new line of books to prepare the publication “History through the eyes of the Lord”, which could include literary, artistic, most vividly, interesting and above all - truly reflect the history of Russia.

Summing up the discussion, Sergei Naryshkin reminded that the interest in Russian history is growing in recent years, including on the background of momentous celebration and anniversary dates. For example, the active preparation for the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War: the next meeting of the National Organizing Committee will be held on October 7. September 2, deputies of the State Duma will visit schools, where they will hold open lessons of parliamentarianism, dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Constitution and the modern Russian parliament.