Assessment of learning of Latin American history acquired by the Nicaraguan school students in the year 2006

Abstract

In Nicaragua, there are few studies dedicated to investigating the teaching of history, which is highly concerning because only through research can we delve into the practices of teaching history to analyze, understand, and improve them. The objective of this research is to evaluate the learning of Ibero-American history in secondary education. The importance of teaching Ibero-American history has been on the agenda of the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science, and Culture (OEI) since the 1990s, resulting in the creation of the Chair of Ibero-American History. This paper is an exploratory, quantitative study based on the application of 469 surveys to secondary students from 14 schools in 8 departments of the country. The questionnaire questions address students' knowledge, perceptions, and evaluations regarding Ibero-American history. The results reveal that most students have serious deficiencies in their knowledge about the history of their own country and other Ibero-American countries. Regarding representations, it is noted that they place great importance on the actions of figures like Columbus, San Martín, and Bolívar. Additionally, it is observed that they view anti-imperialism and the revaluation of indigenous heritage as the main causes of the existence of a shared history among Latin American countries.