Embracing Ambiguity in the Artefacts of the Past: Teacher Identity and Pedagogy

Abstract

In this paper, the author considers the correlation between the construct of teacher identity and pedagogical choice, with specific reference to secondary social studies teachers and their use of primary sources in the classroom. After a brief review of the benefits and challenges of using primary sources in the classroom, the author concludes that the more pervasive challenge to using primary sources is pedagogical rather than pragmatic, and that pedagogy is intrinsically linked to teacher identity formation. The literature suggests that the construct of teacher identity is influenced by many factors, from individual experience and teacher training, to socio-cultural discourses relating to nationalism. The article concludes with a variety of suggestions of ways in which teacher educators can promote both reflective pre-service teaching, and encourage wider use of primary sources in social studies classrooms as an effective pedagogical strategy in an increasingly global society.