Abstract:

The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze some of the results obtained in a research carried out concerning the function of Heritage as a topic and means for teaching in Andalusian textbooks.This work has been drafted in the context of a thesis developed during a I+D+i project named "The concept of Heritage in education: analysis of resources and materials for an integrated proposal of Heritage Education" which was approved during the call for proposal of the 2008 National Research Plan.

The methodology employed in this research is of transverse and structured nature, it consists of a descriptive and interpretive analysis within the qualitative paradigm, allowing foresight on what occurs or might occur with the educational materials. Textbooks are analyzed according to the questions of what, why and how is Heritage taught, from a rather simple perspective to a more complex point of view. At the same time, the tools and methods employed to obtain and analyze the information are also described.
The role Heritage has the in the educational legislation and the considerations made to its concept represent the most complex as well as the most enlightening questions discussed in this research. This is due to the fact that Heritage is not only an abstract and complex concept in scholar terms; it also shares a rather close and specific place in our lives through its many manifestations.

In conclusion, this work reveals that, in general terms, for the textbooks analyzed in Primary Education, the concept of Heritage appears with a simplistic and specific didactic role. The scarcity, grandeur or prestige with which the concept of Heritage is recognized for in academic terms simply responds to the didactic purposes it may serve.

Keywords:

Primary Education, Natural, Social and Cultural Knowledge, Heritage, Heritage Education; Andalusian Text Books.