Ch 4: Accessing Primary Sources to Enhance Critical Thinking

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by amy waggoner on March 19, 2009 at 9:59pm

"The fun of the adventure of the learning is the hunt: finding the pieces, sorting them out, and building defensible patterns of evidence." I did this kind of thing is my master's classes -- enjoyed all the hunting, too! Loved feeling knowledgeable. Loved finding the evidence out there for what I believed was "good teaching." Loved finding new ideas and skills to hone my teaching craft -- like an artist.

Permalink Reply by Cindy Hollingsworth on March 24, 2009 at 1:01pm

I thought this chapter about using primary resources was good. I liked the analysis worksheets he highlighted at the end of the chapter. Another good resource for primary documents is the Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History . Their purpose is to promote the "study and love" of American history. They have primary documents available online, with highlighting tools that convert the handwriting to printed text so it's readable. I actually attended a summer institute of theirs a few years ago--trip to New York paid for by the stipend for attending the week-long institute. They have lots to offer--online exhibitions, traveling exhibitions, searchable database, etc. The collection includes "manuscript letters, diaries, maps, photographs, printed books and pamphlets ranging from 1493 through modern times." They also have a section for Teachers and Students that provides some valuable ideas and resources.