History’s Habits of Mind

The National Council for History Education (NCHE) believes that historical thinking develops a unique capacity to comprehend human situations, challenges, and interactions. Thinking historically introduces students to the wonders of the past and fosters the ability to make judgments about the present. History’s Habits of Mind articulates this distinctive approach, one that leads towards engaging with and understanding the contemporary world and serves as a foundation for life-long, productive learning and active citizenship.

Past Shapes the Present

Grasp the significance of the past in shaping the present.

History’s Habits of Mind

Historical Empathy

Perceive past events and issues as they might have been experienced by the people of the time, with historical empathy rather than present-mindedness.

History’s Habits of Mind

Critical Reading

Read critically, to discern differences between evidence and assertion and to frame useful and appropriate questions about the past.

History’s Habits of Mind

Interrogating Sources

Interrogate texts and artifacts, posing questions about the past that foster informed discussion, reasoned debate and evidence-based interpretation.

History’s Habits of Mind

Evolving Narrative

Recognize that history is an evolving narrative constructed from available sources, cogent inferences and changing interpretations.

History’s Habits of Mind

Diversity of Cultures

Appreciate the diversity of cultures and variety of historical contexts, as well as to distinguish elements of our shared humanity.

History’s Habits of Mind

Understanding Impact

Understand the impact made by individuals, groups and institutions at local, national and global levels both in effecting change and in ensuring continuity.

History’s Habits of Mind

Decisions and Choices

Realize that all individuals are decision makers, but that personal and public choices are often restricted by time, place and circumstance.

History’s Habits of Mind

Complex World

Negotiate a complex, often uncertain and ambiguous world, equipped with the appreciation for multiple perspectives.

History’s Habits of Mind

Patient Reflection

Engage in patient reflection and constant reexamination of the past and present.

History’s Habits of Mind

History’s Habits of Mind

Past Shapes the Present

Grasp the significance of the past in shaping the present.

Historical Empathy

Perceive past events and issues as they might have been experienced by the people of the time, with historical empathy rather than present-mindedness.

Critical Reading

Read critically, to discern differences between evidence and assertion and to frame useful and appropriate questions about the past.

Interrogating Sources

Interrogate texts and artifacts, posing questions about the past that foster informed discussion, reasoned debate and evidence-based interpretation.

Evolving Narrative

Recognize that history is an evolving narrative constructed from available sources, cogent inferences and changing interpretations.

Diversity of Cultures

Appreciate the diversity of cultures and variety of historical contexts, as well as to distinguish elements of our shared humanity.

Understanding Impact

Understand the impact made by individuals, groups and institutions at local, national and global levels both in effecting change and in ensuring continuity.

Decisions and Choices

Realize that all individuals are decision makers, but that personal and public choices are often restricted by time, place and circumstance.

Complex World

Negotiate a complex, often uncertain and ambiguous world, equipped with the appreciation for multiple perspectives.

Patient Reflection

Engage in patient reflection and constant reexamination of the past and present.

List of all History’s Habits Habits of MInd