Primary Source Analysis & DBQs

Overview

In this module, you will be learning about a variety of instructional technology tools and strategies that support the analysis primary source documents and the creation of Document-Based Questions.

Objectives

  • transform a traditional lesson plan that incorporates student-centered analysis of primary source materials through meaningful instructional technology tools and strategies

Wonder

Have you ever wondered how you can support students' efforts in analyzing primary source documents?

Investigate

Choose some tools/strategies from the list below that you'd like to investigate further.

Learn

Visit the Resources Page to view some video tutorials and read various support materials about your chosen tool/strategy to learn how to integrate technology into your lesson. Don't see what you'd like to learn? Please contact Rob Leo, Coordinator of Instructional Technology Training for support.

Create

Create a real-world example of whichever tool/strategy you have chosen, transform a lesson plan that integrates your selection, and deploy your lesson with your students.

Tools

      1. Google Drive
      2. Links to a and/or digital copies of primary source readings, stored in Google Drive
      3. Google Docs
      4. Template of Primary Source Analysis Google Doc
      5. Google Forms
      6. DocsTeach (US History)
      7. Internet History Sourcebooks (World History)

Strategies

      1. Create an “Assignment” in Google Classroom and attach document(s) and Primary Source Analysis Template that includes analysis questions. Use the “make a copy for each student” tool to share the template with students and require them to turn in the assignment by an established due date. Provide feedback to students using Google Docs' Comment tool or record your feedback using Screencastify and return their work.
      2. Create a Google Doc that includes primary source readings, scaffolding questions, and essay prompt. Create an Assignment in Google Classroom and make a copy for each student to read and analyze each document, complete the DBQ essay, and turn in their work by an established due date. Provide feedback to students using Google Docs' Comment tool or record your feedback using Screencastify and return their work.
      3. Post all assigned readings and Primary Source Analysis Template to Google Classroom. Use a Google Form to collect student responses to scaffolded analysis questions.
      4. Use the DocsTeach Activity Tools to create your own interactive learning activity for US History. Alternatively, have students create activities that can be shared among their peers.
      5. Task students with creating their own DBQs using the Do It Yourself DBQ direction sheet and the Internet History Sourcebooks to search for primary and secondary source materials.