Transdisciplinary reflections on the occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968: Didactic use of the protest song in social science education

Abstract

Linking the knowledge of related school subjects (history, civics and music), transdisciplinary didactics is one of the current trends in education. The aim of this article is to create an analytical-interpretive model for the didactic use of protest songs in social science education, supplemented by examples of learning tasks for pupils. The article describes the historical context of the events in Czechoslovakia in August 1968. The research focuses on the analysis and interpretation of the lyrics and music of selected protest songs to create a general analytical-interpretive model usable in school teaching of social sciences. The research into selected protest songs has found both similarities and differences in the motifs and symbols used, as well as in the overall character of the lyrics and melodies. The constructed analytical-interpretive model in connection with the didactic use of protest songs includes the level of motivation, analysis and interpretation, and creative and productive activities. The specific questions and tasks for pupils are applicable in school practice.