410 likes | 605 Views
The American Institute for History Education. Teaching with Primary Sources. Standards. What are Primary Sources. Primary sources are documents or physical objects created during the time of study Original Documents Creative Works Relics or Artifacts. Sources of History. Evidence Source
E N D
The American Institute for History Education Teaching with Primary Sources
What are Primary Sources Primary sources are documents or physical objects created during the time of study • Original Documents • Creative Works • Relics or Artifacts
Sources of History • Evidence • Source … first hand … primary
Secondary Sources • An account written from primary sources …interprets and analyzes…
Examples of Secondary Sources • Textbooks • Encyclopedias • Magazine articles • Journal articles
Textbooks Textbooks are an account of history, and not a definitive history. History is an argument.
Tertiary Sources • Reference books • Bibliographies
Primary Sources • Problems of Secondary Knowledge… Interpretations and bias Understanding the concept of historical interpretation • Oral Histories… Can be interesting and useful, but…
Primary Sources: Artifacts • Tools, clothing, coins, pottery, weapons, etc • Gives history a tangible form • Used in conjunction with images and documents • Helps to develop the notion that history is complex
Primary Sources: Documents Declaration of Independence, Constitution, Gettysburg Address, etc Documents are sometimes called: “… the stuff of history…” Add content and texture to historic events They can be published or unpublished When used correctly, documents can make history come alive Specific questions need to be asked that allows students to critically review a document
Primary Sources: Maps Maps are usually associated with Documents Antique maps are windows into geographical history These maps help us understand what people knew of the world at any given time and what kind of challenges this presented Ask students to identify those challenges
Southern California Road Map 1926
Primary Sources: Political Cartoons Political cartoons are usually satires or commentaries on current events Students often need background info to understand political cartoons Requires students to use analytical skills Ask students to identify exactly what they see and what is the artist trying to say?
Why use Primary Sources • To further enhance historical education in the classroom • Helps students develop higher level thinking skills: • Interpret, explain, analyze, evaluate, assess,apply, form opinions, etc.
Using Primary Sources • Questions to be asked…. • … What is the primary source? • … Who produced it? • … When was it made? • … Where was it made? • … How was it made?
Using Primary Sources Questions to be asked…. …is there a bias? … eye on history…
Using Primary Sources Whose perspective is it?
Using Primary Sources • What is it you are trying learn or discover? • This can be the most exciting aspect of using primary sources when a student discovers a new interpretation. • It’s important to remember that students need to have background knowledge of the time period to use primary sources effectively.
Using Primary Sources • Integrate interdisciplinary learning • Reinforces the concept of interpretation and bias • Capture student’s attention • Can be fun and exciting for all involved
Using Primary Sources • Be sure the sources are curriculum appropriate • Use copies and not originals • Make sure the sources are adequate and meet the needs of the objective
Using Primary Sources • Evaluating the effectiveness of using primary source • Students can… • write a report, essay, journal, obituary • produce a display, exhibit, poster • Give an oral presentation, role play, create a collage
Using Primary Sources and Cicero • Elementary students • …. Gallery, images, political cartoons • Middle School students • … images, political cartoons, journals, letters • High School students • … documents, multiple documents, compare and contrast
Using Primary Sources • Dangers of the Internet • Phony websites…… • www.historyhouse.com • www.wikipedia.com
Lessons using Primary Sources:Early Elementary Compare and Contrast Visuals are best Develop a graphic organizer Have students describe what they see Have students describe how it relates or not relate to their lives
Lessons using Primary Sources:Middle School Point of view Visuals and documents Ask students to make observations Have students write or articulate the similarities or differences Have students how it relates or not relate to their lives
Lessons using Primary Sources:High School Higher level thinking skills: Analyze, Synthesize, Apply, Predict and ask Questions Use several sources Have students paraphrase or summarize Determine POV Describe the history