A history of history teaching in Maltese state schools, 1800-1940

Abstract

The teaching of History in Maltese state schools between 1800 and 1940 was influenced by various developments. The various administrators left an indelible mark on the educational system as a whole and on the teaching of History in particular. Among the various directors, Pullicino, Savona and Laferla were undoubtedly the most influential. In the primary sector the teaching of History was influenced by the teaching methods adopted as well as by the availability and quality of teachers. It also depended on the language in which it was taught. In the last decades of the 19th and early decades of the 20th centuries importance was being given to the teaching of Maltese History and to the teaching of school subjects, including History, in the pupils' own language. In the secondary sector History was attached in different times to a host of subject areas including Geography and various languages. In both sectors, the teaching of History was dependent on the History component in language text-books and on the provision of proper History text-books. In this field this work highlights the share given in this respect by various authors. Special mention is made of Achille Ferris, Annibale Preca, Temi Zammit, E.B. Vella and A.V. Laferla.