Primary Sources and PBL
Primary sources engage students by provoking critical thought, questioning, making inferences, interpreting different points of view, analyzing and evaluating, and drawing conclusions.
Primary sources engage students emotionally and personally through authentic voices and images.
How primary sources can be effective instructional tools
Use primary sources for initial connections, a "hook" into an instructional unit
Primary sources engage students by provoking critical thought, questioning, making inferences, interpreting different points of view, analyzing and evaluating, and drawing conclusions.
Primary sources engage students emotionally and personally through authentic voices and images.
How primary sources can be effective instructional tools
Use primary sources for initial connections, a "hook" into an instructional unit
- Identify prior knowledge and misconceptions
- Identify point of view and its effect on information presented
- Make valid inferences
- Develop context through acquiring background knowledge
- Assists in the development of focus questions to guide investigations and to connect students to the essential question.
- Primary sources can offer various perspectives on a topic. (example: facts about why the U.S. government sent Japanese Americans to internment camps paired with primary source interview of a Japanese American who lived in an internment camp)
- Primary sources can help corroborate evidence. (a photograph of the black experience in the 60s)
- Editorials, political speeches or debates, a documentary film, or photos can provide supporting evidence, alternative viewpoints, or help students draw conclusions and/or form opinions based on the evidence.
- Primary sources can be incorporated into any number of technology based final products
There are several process models for investigation. The Stripling Model, endorsed by the Library of Congress is highlighted here. All information process models are similar, leading students through a step-by-step approach to inquiry. A couple of alternatives to the Stripling Model are listed below.
Big 6
Kuhlthau's Model
Big 6
Kuhlthau's Model
stripling_inquiry_model.pdf | |
File Size: | 186 kb |
File Type: |
TEACHING WITH PRIMARY SOURCES
Library of Congress Using Primary Sources Guide
Teacher Guides and Analysis Tool
Use these links as personal Professional Development to learn more about The Library of Congress and its resources
Library of Congress
Introduction to the Library of Congress
Library of Congress
Supporting Inquiry With Primary Sources
Library of Congress
Analyzing Primary Sources--Photographs and Prints
Library of Congress
Analyzing Primary Sources--Maps
Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Journal
Library of Congress Using Primary Sources Guide
Teacher Guides and Analysis Tool
Use these links as personal Professional Development to learn more about The Library of Congress and its resources
Library of Congress
Introduction to the Library of Congress
Library of Congress
Supporting Inquiry With Primary Sources
Library of Congress
Analyzing Primary Sources--Photographs and Prints
Library of Congress
Analyzing Primary Sources--Maps
Library of Congress Teaching with Primary Sources Journal