To use primary source analysis to develop student literacy skills with the "Primary Source Investigations" Model Activity, consider

Information Literacy and "Primary Source Investigations"

"Information Literacy is the ability to structure a search across a variety of sources and formats to locate the best information to meet a particular need." (Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning, American Library Association and the Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1998)

In this model activity, students:

  • Recognize the need for information
  • Weigh information carefully and wisely to determine its quality. For example, fact, point of view, opinion, and inaccurate or misleading information
  • Formulate questions based on information needs
  • Derives meaning from information presented creatively in a variety of formats
  • Select evidence appropriate to the problem or question at hand
  • Evaluate information products and solutions related to personal interests

Reading Comprehension and "Primary Source Investigations"

"Reading Comprehension is the ability to understand text, including words, numbers, and images in print or digital form." (International Reading Association)

In this model activity, students use analysis tools to:

  • Build background knowledge on the subject/topic
  • Connect new clues to prior knowledge
  • Create a visual representation of the key words/concepts
  • Answer leveled questioning
  • Take notes
  • Identify structure and elements of the media format
  • Make predictions summarizing the information presented
  • Obtain evidence from multiple perspectives to support an interpretation

View Literacy Instruction Overview