From the decolonization of history to the formation of national identity: changes in the content of the Ukrainian history textbook in the 7th grade of the National School of Education

- Гупан, Нестор Миколайович (orcid.org/0000-0001-8613-9705) and Пометун, Олена Іванівна (orcid.org/0000-0002-4602-6383) (2025) From the decolonization of history to the formation of national identity: changes in the content of the Ukrainian history textbook in the 7th grade of the National School of Education Проблеми сучасного підручника (34). pp. 107-120. ISSN 2411-1309

Text Пометун_Гупан_ПСП_2025.pdf Download (298kB)

Abstract

This article analyzes the process of decolonization of historical education in Ukraine amidst the current Russian-Ukrainian war, which is accompanied by confrontation in the spheres of culture, historical memory, and identity. The authors examine the problems associated with the transformation of the content of state standards, curricula, and textbooks, especially the 7th-grade Ukrainian history textbook, in the context of replacing Soviet and Russian historical narratives with a Ukrainocentric approach. The article emphasizes the importance of forming a stable national identity and overcoming postcolonial inferiority complexes by creating a cohesive historical narrative based on the principles of the continuity of Ukrainian state-building and succession from Kyivan Rus, Rus-Ukraine, to modern Ukraine. The article outlines the regulatory framework for this process through updated standards and the introduction of new curricula and terminology, as well as legislative initiatives aimed at affirming Ukrainian identity and overcoming the consequences of colonial policy. The authors highlight the key elements of the content of medieval Ukrainian history crucial for challenging distorted Russian narratives and their presentation in the 2024 textbook. Approaches to textbook design and the organization of student activities for mastering this material, particularly active learning and the development of critical thinking, are also outlined. Special attention is paid to challenges (public resistance, unpreparedness of educators, regional differences) and prospects for further research in evaluating the effectiveness of new textbooks and curricula, teaching methods, and interdisciplinary comparisons with postcolonial practices in other countries. The article demonstrates that the implementation of a decolonized approach to historical education in Ukrainian history textbooks is a vital instrument for forming national consciousness and a guarantor of the democratic progress of Ukrainian society.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	school historical education, content, decolonization, medieval history of Ukraine, 7th-grade textbook
Subjects:	Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 37.01/.09 Special auxiliary table for theory, principles, methods and organization of education > 37.02 General questions of didactics and method Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 37.01/.09 Special auxiliary table for theory, principles, methods and organization of education > 37.09 Organization of instruction Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 3 Social Sciences > 37 Education > 373 Kinds of school providing general education Science and knowledge. Organization. Computer science. Information. Documentation. Librarianship. Institutions. Publications > 9 Geography. Biography. History > 93/94 History
Divisions:	Institute of Pedagogics > Department of Social Science Education
Depositing User:	с.н.с. Петро Володимирович Мороз
Date Deposited:	15 Dec 2025 11:34
Last Modified:	15 Dec 2025 11:34
URI:	https://lib.iitta.gov.ua/id/eprint/747652

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item