FACTS AS EXPERIENCES: HOW TO LEARN AND TEACH HISTORY IN A BIOGRAPHICAL WAY

The process of historical research, learning and teaching consists of data-sampling, interpretation and communication. Researchers, learners and teachers have to cope with de- and reconstructing historical experiences and their documentations as expressions of impressions. Therefore, the objectives of the study are historical experiences documented in autobiographical texts and in archival material. Following the different lessons/modules of a course about biographical history, students can learn how to become aware of certain aspects behind historical facts and events, which are often hidden in documents or neglected by textbooks. They become motivated to make their own experiences in this method by using oral history elements (interviews) and to look for alternative points of view in learning and research.