How might we identify and measure learning progression in history?

Abstract

Learning progression is a continuum that measures advances in learning by tracking development from early learning to more sophisticated levels of mastery. Mathematics relies on an understanding of empirical knowledge and concepts in a hierarchical sequence; students need to understand (or master) one mathematical concept before they can proceed to the next. In comparison, progress of understanding in history is not necessarily hierarchical because it is based on mastery of concepts and skills rather than historical knowledge, which is geographically and temporally variable. With history, it is not necessary to progress sequentially from one concept in order to comprehend another; learning is measured by mastery of levels of complexity within each skill or understanding and mastery can be concurrent and interrelated. The essential characteristic of progression in history is that students can demonstrate an increase in their cognitive ability to think analytically and critically.