Analyzing History: Understanding Secondary Sources

Subject: History

Class: JSS 1

Term: First Term

Week: 6

Age: 11 – 12 years

Topic: Secondary Sources in History

Sub-topic: Origin, Importance, and Examples of Secondary Sources

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain what secondary sources in History are.
2. Mention examples of secondary sources in History, such as written sources (e.g., textbooks, journals, etc.).
3. Discuss the features of secondary sources in History.
4. Explain the advantages of secondary sources in History.
5. Highlight the disadvantages of secondary sources in History.
6. Compare the advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary sources in History.

Keywords:

• Secondary Sources
• Written Records
• Ethnographic Evidence
• Maps
• Textbooks

Set Induction:

The teacher begins by showing students a textbook used in class and asks, “Who wrote this book, and how do they know the information inside?” After some answers, the teacher introduces the concept of Secondary Sources, explaining that they are sources that interpret or analyze primary sources.

Entry Behavior:

Students have previously learned about primary sources and understand that they are firsthand accounts of historical events.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• History textbooks
• Maps
• Magazines
• Copies of historical journals

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students have learned about primary sources and their significance in historical research. This lesson builds on that foundation by introducing secondary sources, which help explain or analyze primary sources.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Analytical reasoning
• Collaboration

Learning Materials:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for JSS 1
• Textbooks, magazines, and journal articles

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History JSS 1
• “Introduction to Nigerian History” by B.A. Anozie

Instructional Materials:

• Textbooks
• Historical maps
• Journals and magazines

Content:

Secondary Sources in History

Definition of Secondary Sources

Secondary sources in History are materials that interpret, analyze, or summarize information from primary sources. They are created by individuals who did not experience the events firsthand but who use primary sources to form conclusions.

 Examples of Secondary Sources

1. Written Sources:
   • Textbooks
   • Journals
   • Newspapers
   • Magazines
2. Maps:
   • Historical maps that are drawn using information from earlier records.
3. Ethnographic Evidence:
   • Studies of past cultures based on both primary sources and analysis.
4. Siteology:
   • Analysis of historical sites through secondary research.
5. Botanical Resources:
   • Secondary reports on plant life, often used to understand the historical environment.
6. Linguistic Evidence:
   • Research that interprets languages or dialects based on primary language materials.

Features of Secondary Sources

• Interpretation: Secondary sources provide analysis, interpretation, or critique of primary data.
• Created After the Event: They are produced by people not directly involved in the events.
• Objective: These sources aim to synthesize information from multiple primary sources, offering a more balanced perspective.

Importance of Secondary Sources in Historical Research

1. Comprehensive Understanding: They combine information from multiple primary sources to give a complete picture.
2. Easier to Access: Textbooks, journals, and articles are often more readily available than primary sources.
3. Simplified Information: They make complex historical events easier to understand.

Advantages of Secondary Sources

1. Detailed Analysis: Secondary sources provide thorough explanations and analysis of events, making it easier for readers to understand historical contexts.
2. Objective Perspective: Secondary sources usually present a balanced view by synthesizing information from various primary sources.
3. Accessibility: Secondary sources like textbooks and journals are easily available for students and researchers.

Disadvantages of Secondary Sources

1. Lack of Firsthand Information: Since the authors did not experience the events themselves, some details may be lost or misrepresented.
2. Bias: The interpretation in secondary sources may reflect the biases of the authors.
3. Distance from Events: Secondary sources are created long after the events, so they may not capture the original atmosphere or emotions of the time.

Presentation

Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic

The teacher reviews the previous lesson on primary sources in History. Students recall that primary sources are direct evidence from the time of the event, such as artifacts, oral traditions, and eyewitness accounts.

Step 2: Introducing the New Topic

The teacher explains that today’s lesson will focus on Secondary Sources, which are accounts, interpretations, and analyses of historical events, often created by people who were not present.

Step 3: Allowing Pupils to Contribute

The teacher asks students to give examples of secondary sources they have encountered (e.g., textbooks, journals, maps). The teacher listens to their answers and provides further explanations where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

1. Define secondary sources and explain their features.
2. Discuss the different types of secondary sources, such as textbooks and journals.
3. Display examples of secondary sources, like historical maps and magazines.
4. Lead students in a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of using secondary sources.

Learners’ Activities:

1. Identify and describe secondary sources from their experience (e.g., textbooks).
2. Work in small groups to compare primary and secondary sources in History.
3. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of secondary sources in relation to historical research.
4. Answer questions and participate in discussions about secondary sources.

Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a secondary source?
2. Name two examples of secondary sources in History.
3. Mention one feature of secondary sources.
4. What is the importance of secondary sources?
5. Give one advantage of secondary sources.
6. State one disadvantage of secondary sources.
7. How are secondary sources different from primary sources?
8. Why are textbooks considered secondary sources?
9. Mention one example of written secondary sources.
10. Explain one feature of secondary sources.

Class Activity Discussion:

1. What are secondary sources in History?
   Secondary sources interpret or analyze primary sources and are created by people not directly involved in the events.
2. What are examples of secondary sources?
   Examples include textbooks, magazines, journals, and maps.
3. How are secondary sources different from primary sources?
   Primary sources are firsthand accounts, while secondary sources are created by people analyzing those firsthand accounts.
4. Why are secondary sources important in History?
   They provide a broader, more comprehensive understanding of historical events by combining various primary sources.
5. What is one advantage of secondary sources?
   Secondary sources make complex historical events easier to understand through detailed analysis.
6. What is one disadvantage of secondary sources?
   Since they are not firsthand accounts, they may lack some original details.
7. Why do secondary sources sometimes have bias?
   Authors may interpret events in a way that reflects their personal beliefs or views.
8. What is an example of a written secondary source?
   A history textbook is an example of a written secondary source.
9. Why are ethnographic studies considered secondary sources?
   Ethnographic studies analyze and interpret the cultural practices of people based on both primary and secondary information.
10. What is the significance of secondary sources in modern research?
    They help researchers cross-check facts and form a well-rounded understanding of historical events.

Conclusion:

The teacher moves around the classroom, checking students’ work and offering feedback. The teacher emphasizes the importance of using both primary and secondary sources for a well-rounded understanding of History.

More Useful Links

• Unveiling the Past: Exploring the Differences Between History and Storytelling
• Discovering the Sources of History
• Uncovering History: Understanding Primary Sources