Thinking like a Historian: How do Sixth Grade Students Analyze Documents?

Abstract

Abstract This qualitative study investigated the ways in which sixth grade students analyze documents in a social studies classroom. This research aimed to provide teachers with insight into how students are analyzing documents and what strategies are being used. Through observations, semi-structured discussions, survey questions and a benchmark, a plethora of data were collected. An intensive data analysis was conducted resulting in four major findings. The use of background knowledge, and captions made analyzing a document easier, whereas academic vocabulary made analyzing a document more difficult. The data collected also showed a number of strategies students are currently using to analyze documents. The insights provided by the students in this study are valuable for teachers and staff involved in teaching students how to analyze documents.