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The use of primary sources exposes students to important historical concepts. First, students become aware that all written history reflects an author's interpretation of past events. Therefore, as students read a historical account, they can recognize its subjective nature. Second, through primary sources the students directly touch the lives of people in the past. Further, as students use primary sources, they develop important analytical skills.

To many students, history…

Guidelines for Using Primary Sources

1. Determine what is usable in the document

2. Decide how the document can be dropped into the curriculum.

3. Relate the document to larger issues or concepts of study.

4. Determine what personal application the document has for students.

5. Establish the context of the document.

6. Work directly with the document.

7. Use documents to raise questions for further research.

8. Use documents when longer…