ABSTRACT
Australian educational historians have been active for over a century. A crucial development was the establishment of the Australian and New Zealand History of Education Society (ANZHES) in 1970 and the subsequent launching of the Society’s journal, History of Education Review.1 Since then Australian scholars have been major contributors to the field, with some being key players on the world stage.2
Considering this background suggests it is time to produce a contemporary review of past achievements that builds on those of Connell3 and Campbell and Sherington.4 The present paper, however, has a more restricted intention, namely, to consider a number of current trends in history of education research in Australia and suggest some directions for the future. This is undertaken in relation to scholarship on topics related specifically to Australia, on the use of new methods, and on contributions beyond the immediate boundaries of the country. Not all may agree with the trends and directions indicated. Any disagreement, however, is to be encouraged to stimulate cogitation of alternatives and contribute to debate on them.
