History didactic/public history research on the link between heritage education and the didactic treatment of controversial (and sensitive) topics in secondary education in Flanders. The research question focuses on the use of heritage in the classroom to make controversial topics easier to discuss during history class.

The research consists of three core components. Firstly, the development of teaching packages in which working with heritage, more specifically archive documents, on controversial topics is central. Second, testing these teaching packages in Flemish education, including all graduation finalities. Thirdly, questioning both pupils and teachers about both the specific perception of the concrete teaching package and their general beliefs about the place of the relevant controversial topic within the curriculum and its approach through heritage.