"And Which Side Are You On, Teacher?" Neutrality, Conviction, and Critical Thinking in the History Classroom

Authors

  • Francisco Javier Lisbona Mansilla IES Santamarca

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14422/pym.i407.y2026.003

Keywords:

controversial issues, teacher influence, critical thinking, history instruction, citizenship education

Abstract

The History teacher cannot be neutral: choosing what to teach, how, and with what emphasis is already taking a stance. But between impossible neutrality and unacceptable indoctrination lies a demanding middle ground: active impartiality. Teaching students to understand all the perspectives at play—including those that one rejects—is not relativism. It is the most honest form of respect.

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Author Biography

  • Francisco Javier Lisbona Mansilla, IES Santamarca

    Profesor de Geografía e Historia en educación secundaria desde 2015. Ha desarrollado su trayectoria en centros concertados y públicos de Madrid, con especial interés en la didáctica del pensamiento crítico y el debate histórico en el aula. Incorporado en 2021 a la red pública madrileña, compagina desde 2025 la docencia con la jefatura de estudios de la sección lingüística del IES Santamarca.

Neutralidad, convicción y pensamiento crítico en el aula de Historia

Published

2026-09-17

How to Cite

"And Which Side Are You On, Teacher?" Neutrality, Conviction, and Critical Thinking in the History Classroom. (2026). Journal of Parents and Teachers, 407, 20-25. https://doi.org/10.14422/pym.i407.y2026.003