Civilia 2019, 10(1):4-22 | DOI: 10.5507/civ.2019.001

The role of the structured analysis and interpretation of iconographic sources in pre-service teaching of social science teachers

Denisa Labischová

Katedra výchovy k občanství, Pedagogická fakulta Ostravské univerzity, Fráni Šrámka 3, 709 00 Ostrava - Mariánské hory

The study presents the results of the research implemented in 2015. The aim of this research was to determine the qualitative level of analysis and interpretation of iconographic source (historical caricature) in pre-service teaching for future social science teachers at lower secondary level. The research methods of eye-tracking and audio recordings of students' responses to specific questions were used. A total of 25 students from the Department of Civic Education at the Faculty of Education (University of Ostrava) took part in the research. The research findings show that the skills of interpretation are not in-depth. The students have difficulty analyzing the symbolism, understanding the depicted situation in its historical and political context and especially with interpretation of iconographic message and with understanding the general meaning of caricatures. These results show that it is necessary to strengthen the development of analytical and interpretative competencies of future social science teachers in the field of didactics, because the aim of primary and secondary education is not only the knowledge development, but also the ability to analyze and interpret both verbal and iconic texts, which requires the use of higher order thinking skills.

Keywords: Social science didactics, Historical and political caricature, Analysis and interpretation

Published: June 15, 2019  Show citation