Types of Materials in the Primary Source Learning Experience Collection

The Learning Experiences include model activities used in the Primary Source Learning professional development programs and field-tested products created by participants. Educators may submit Learning Experiences that use primary sources for the following purposes through My Portfolio.

Introduction (lesson beginning) Introduction-  uses primary sources to help students recognize their current understanding, knowledge, and skills related to the content of the lesson.
Introductions are often:

  • a warm-up to intrigue and interest students.
  • a review or introduction of prior knowledge needed for the lesson.
  • a pre-assessment of student understanding, knowledge, and/or skill.

Investigation (lesson middle) Investigation - challenges students to use and adjust their understanding of a subject through reading, analyzing, and interpreting primary source(s) to consider the source's impact on the subject under study. Investigations begin with a question and end by answering the question and reflecting on how the answer connects to an explicit Understanding Goal.

Formal Assessment (often lesson end) Formal Assessment - requires students to use primary sources as evidence to explain their understanding of the topic under study in purposeful ways. Formal Assessments offer an opportunity for students and teacher to see growth through student products, performances, or tests requiring use of primary sources to demonstrate understanding, knowledge, and skill goals for the Learning Experience.

Lesson Lesson - teaches a topic within the subject through a complete Learning Experience. Lessons are guided by an Investigative Question and challenge students to connect learning to "big ideas" or Understanding Goals. Lessons often require multiple class meetings to complete.

LibraryQuest LibraryQuest - guides students through an online inquiry experience working in a role as a professional in a particular field to research a topic using Library of Congress primary sources in order to solve a problem or develop a product. LibraryQuests offer student directions for independent learning through a Web page.

Model Activity Model Activity – demonstrates use of Best Instructional Practices and breadth of available Library of Congress resources. Model activities are designed for an audience of educators.