Subtitle: The History of the Georg Eckert Institute
Mission Textbook: The History of the Georg Eckert Institute traces the development and impact of the Georg Eckert Institute for International Textbook Research (GEI), founded in Braunschweig, Germany. The publication highlights its role as a pioneering institution dedicated to the revision and study of school textbooks to foster peace, mutual understanding, and democratic values. Beginning in the post-World War II period, the GEI emerged under the vision of Georg Eckert, who recognized textbooks' potential to influence perceptions of history and intercultural relationships. He saw textbook revision as a key to reconciliation between former adversaries and a step toward building a peaceful global community.
The book outlines the GEI's roots in the post-war international peace movement, as it sought to eliminate biases, stereotypes, and hostility in educational materials. In its formative years, the institute worked with UNESCO and other international organizations to create frameworks for textbook improvement through bilateral and multilateral collaborations. The GEI played a significant role in revising textbooks across Europe, especially through its work with France, Poland, and other nations, to address contentious historical narratives and promote multiperspectivity. These efforts laid the groundwork for a modern understanding of textbooks as both educational tools and instruments of political and cultural influence.
As the institute evolved, it expanded its research areas beyond textbook revision to include topics like democracy and dictatorship, colonialism, and human rights education. Its work increasingly addressed global challenges such as cultural diversity and the integration of digital educational media. The publication emphasizes the GEI’s interdisciplinary approach, combining research with practical policy recommendations to support educators and governments worldwide. It also details how the institute grew into a member of the Leibniz Association, enhancing its research infrastructure and solidifying its reputation as an international leader in textbook studies.
The book concludes by reflecting on the GEI's lasting legacy in advancing textbook research, fostering international dialogue, and supporting educational reforms. By promoting unbiased, inclusive, and historically accurate narratives, the GEI continues to play a critical role in bridging cultural divides and strengthening democratic principles through education. Its enduring mission underscores the importance of textbooks not only as academic resources but also as powerful tools for shaping collective memory and intercultural understanding.
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