Constructing the Learning Task in History Instruction

The following exchange of views between teacher and students took place during a history lesson in a Swedish Upper Secondary school (the Swedish Gymnasium). The teacher had asked the students which historical period came after the Renaissance and got the following replies: S(tudent)

The Baroque Period.

T(eacher)

In the fine arts, yes.

S

The Age of Greatness.

T

Yes, but that was in Sweden.

S

The Age of Freedom.

T

That came a bit later.

S

The Age of Monarchic Absolutism.

T

Yes, or the Age of Autocracy. What’s the period called that we’re reading about now?

S

The Age of Freedom.

T

In Sweden, yes.

S

The Age of Enlightenment.

T

Yes.