LibGuides: Archives and Primary Sources: Teaching with Primary Sources

Applying Primary Sources

When and Why Should We Teach With Primary Sources?

Teaching with primary sources is beneficial for teachers and students of all levels. Primary sources encourage students to think analytically and to look beyond just the information that is in front of them. They should be utilized whenever a historical thesis is involved, or for upper level academic writing with applicable.

Simmons Specific Examples

Material Culture
History of Libraries
First Year Writing
Journalism
History or other Humanities Thesis
Upper Level Seminars

Helpful Web Guides for Teaching

NARA Primary Sources Education
A link to the National Archives primary source research and classroom education. Contains several helpful sections on how to find primary sources and apply them to any level of classroom setting.
Library of Congress Primary Sources Education
A helpful array of teaching guides to dealing with different types of primary resources, including oral histories, photographs, manuscripts, song and sheet music, political cartoons, maps, sound recordings, and books and other printed materials.
Purdue Owl Primary Research Education
A focus on what qualifies as a primary source, explains the difference with secondary sources, and also has helpful tips on how to conduct primary research.

Subject Guide

Kelsey Kolbet