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Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we'll start with finding and evaluating sources. Who can tell me why it's important to evaluate sources in history?
It's important to know if the information is reliable.
Exactly! We want to ensure that the sources we use are credible. Could anyone give me an example of a type of source we might use?
We can use books and academic articles.
What about primary sources like letters or diaries?
Great point! Primary sources give us direct insight into historical events. To better evaluate sources, remember the acronym 'CRAAP'—C for Currency, R for Relevance, A for Authority, A for Accuracy, and P for Purpose. Can anyone remember what these stand for?
Currency is how up-to-date the source is.
Relevance means it must relate to your research question.
Exactly. Each element helps us ensure that our information is suitable for our inquiries. Any questions about that?
Next, let’s discuss how to formulate effective research questions. Why do you think having a strong research question is key?
Because it guides what we look for in our research.
Absolutely! A good research question helps narrow our focus. Can anyone suggest how we might structure a research question?
We should start with 'What' or 'How'.
And it should be specific, right? Like asking 'What were the causes of World War I' instead of just 'What happened in World War I'?
Yes! Specific questions are much easier to answer with focused research. Let's practice creating a few.
Now that we have our questions, how do we organize the data we find? Why is organization important in history research?
It helps make our arguments clear.
And it makes it easier for others to understand our findings!
Correct! Using outlines or graphic organizers can help us see the connections between our ideas. What types of tools have you used to organize data before?
I used a mind map for my last history project.
I prefer using tables to compare information.
Both of those are great strategies! Let's practice using different methods to organize the same set of data today.
Locating primary and secondary sources relevant to historical inquiries.
Assessing the credibility, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose of information.
Creating specific and insightful questions to guide historical investigations.
Structuring findings logically for clarity and coherence in presentation.
To find your source, don’t lose the course; check its age, its place, and its face.
Imagine you're a detective in history! You search through old letters and diaries, piecing together events by judging who wrote them and why.
CRAAP: Check Currency, Relevance, Author, Accuracy, Purpose.
FEW: Find, Evaluate, Write - the three steps of strong research.
Term
Primary Source
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Term
CRAAP Test
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Term
Research Question
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Original documents or evidence created at the time of an event.
Works that interpret or analyze primary sources, such as textbooks or articles.
An account or story of past events.
A list of sources with summaries and evaluations of each source.
A method of evaluating sources based on Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose.
Research skills are crucial in the study of history as they enable students to find, evaluate, and utilize diverse historical sources effectively.
This section highlights the importance of research skills in historical inquiry, emphasizing their role in finding and evaluating sources, formulating research questions, and organizing data. It explains how these skills empower students to conduct thorough investigations of historical events.
Research skills are a vital component of the Approaches to Learning (ATL) framework in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme. They enable students to engage deeply with historical content by allowing them to find, assess, and use a variety of sources in their inquiries.
Research skills manifest in various historical contexts, such as conducting detailed investigations into significant events, cross-checking historical narratives, and maintaining annotated bibliographies to cite sources accurately. This skill set not only enhances students’ research competency but also prepares them for future academic challenges.