OVERVIEW

The Laboratory offers a reflective exploration of the history of education and childhood through the study of material testimonies from the past. Objects, photographs, notebooks, letters, games, and documents from everyday life will be used as sources to reconstruct experiences, representations, and lived realities related to childhood.

The activities aim to develop students’ skills in observing, analysing, and critically interpreting sources, fostering an informed understanding of the changes that, over time, have shaped the ways in which childhood has been experienced, narrated, and represented.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Laboratory History of Pedagogy and Childhood has as main purpose the acquisition of the fundamental knowledges related to categories, problems and authors of the history of pedagogy considered in their relationship with childhood.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the workshop, students will have developed the ability to observe, select, and interpret sources and traces of the past.

Through the use of participatory teaching methodologies, they will be guided to identify and document significant materials, examine them, and reflect on the meanings that emerge. The course will enable them to develop their own perspective on the history of childhood, built through engagement with the sources and the interpretations that arise.

PREREQUISITES

A basic knowledge of the history from below approach and the value of sources and testimonies of ordinary people in reconstructing historical processes and past experiences is required.

TEACHING METHODS

The workshop will be conducted using innovative teaching methods aimed at encouraging active student participation, collaboration, and skill development.

For students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD/DSA), or Special Educational Needs (SEN/BES):

Students with disabilities, Specific Learning Disorders (SLD), or Special Educational Needs (SEN) are reminded that in order to request exam accommodations, they must first deposit their medical certification with the University's Inclusion Services Sector for Students with Disabilities and SLD.

Subsequently, to request accommodations for exams, students with a disability or SLD must fill out the form found on this page: Services for students with disabilities or SLD | UniGe | University of Genoa.

Conversely, students with SEN (BES) must send an email to the instructor, CCing both the School Representative for the inclusion of students with disabilities and SLD (laura.traverso@unige.it) and the "Student Inclusion" Sector (inclusione.studenti@info.unige.it). The email must specify:

• The course title

• The exam date

• Full name and matriculation number

• The requested compensatory tools and dispensatory measures deemed necessary

For all students, accommodation requests must be submitted well in advance (at least 7 working days prior to the exam date). Late requests may not be accepted.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The program will be structured around the following thematic core areas:

• Material sources and everyday life testimonies as tools for understanding and interpreting past childhood experiences;

• The use of active teaching methodologies for the study of the past;

• Comparing and sharing interpretations as tools for constructing meaning from the sources;

• Personal reflection on sources and the development of one's own concept of childhood based on traces of the past.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Students will be expected to base their work on the material provided by the instructor.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

The workshop will begin on September 25, 2026.

Workshop Academic Schedule (2 groups, 4 sessions per group):

Group 1:

• September 25: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• October 2: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• October 9: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• October 16: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Group 2: TBA (Second Semester)

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final assessment will be based on active participation in the proposed activities and the presentation of a final project. 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students will be asked to prepare a presentation.