A Critical Look at Archaeology Teaching in Estonian High Schools

Abstract

Most commonly archaeology is not recognized as a curriculum subject but may be introduced into history teaching, like in this case study in Estonia. In this article I present an analysis of how archaeology is presented in Estonian National Curriculum and high school (e-)textbooks and what kind of archaeology qualifications history teachers will get in the teacher training in the universities. The aim was to analyse the current situation and possibilities of archaeology teaching at Estonian high schools. Analysis of history and civic teacher training showed that they get the know-how how to teach but what to teach (including archaeology) remains problematic. Archaeology is presented in Estonian National Curriculum, but the prehistory learning goals should be redone concerning the methodological skills and knowledge of content and archaeology goals. It is not about the volume of archaeology, but how and what is taught. Archaeology can teach humanity, which is the most important learning outcome. (E-)textbook analysis indicated that not all textbooks are well equipped with archaeological data. The result of this study shows that archaeology is part of the Estonian history teaching at high school and the extent is good, but it should be taught in a more effective way.