Tertiary Sources in History: Definition, Advantages, and Disadvantages

History JSS 1 First Term Lesson Notes – Week 9

Topic: Tertiary Sources of History
Sub-topic: Disadvantages of Tertiary Sources & Identification of Historical Sources

Subject: History
Class: JSS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 11-13 years
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Describe tertiary sources in History.
2. Identify the various sources of History.
3. Relate the importance of these sources to historical developments.
4. Explain the advantages of identified sources to historical experiences.
5. Examine the negative usage of the identified sources in History today.

Keywords

• Tertiary Sources: Materials that summarize or compile information from primary and secondary sources.
• Historical Sources: Documents, objects, or artifacts used to study history.
• Primary Sources: Firsthand accounts of an event or time period.
• Secondary Sources: Interpretations and analyses of primary sources.

Set Induction

The teacher starts by reviewing the previous lesson on Secondary Sources of History. The teacher asks students to recall examples of secondary sources and discuss their advantages and disadvantages. This leads to the introduction of Tertiary Sources and the importance of identifying various sources in History.

Entry Behaviour

Students are familiar with the concept of history and have learned about primary and secondary sources in previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Textbooks
• Encyclopedias
• Historical documentaries
• History charts

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have previously learned about primary and secondary sources. This lesson will build on their knowledge by introducing them to tertiary sources and the identification of various historical sources.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Research skills
• Analytical reasoning
• Communication

Learning Materials

1. Lagos State Scheme of Work
2. History Textbooks
3. Documentary Videos on historical events
4. Charts illustrating sources of history

Instructional Materials

• Textbooks
• Projector to show documentaries
• History timelines

Content

1. Definition of Tertiary Sources

Tertiary sources in history are materials that summarize, compile, or condense information from primary and secondary sources. They provide an overview or reference for quick access to information. Examples include encyclopedias, bibliographies, and indexes.

2. Examples of Tertiary Sources

• Encyclopedias: Summarize detailed historical events and concepts.
• Almanacs: Provide statistical data and historical records.
• Indexes: List articles and sources for easy reference.
• Dictionaries: Provide definitions and explanations of historical terms.
• Databases: Digital collections of historical information.

3. Advantages of Tertiary Sources

• Provide a quick overview of topics.
• Save time in researching.
• Offer a broad range of topics in one source.
• Help new learners understand complex topics.
• Easy to access and use.

4. Disadvantages of Tertiary Sources

• Lack of in-depth analysis.
• Information may be outdated.
• May oversimplify complex topics.
• Not suitable for advanced research.
• Could contain errors due to the summary of multiple sources.

5. Identification of Historical Sources

Historical sources are documents, artifacts, and evidence used to study and understand history. They are categorized into:

• Primary Sources: Firsthand accounts like diaries, letters, photographs, and artifacts.
• Secondary Sources: Works analyzing or interpreting primary sources, such as textbooks and research papers.
• Tertiary Sources: Summaries or collections of information, like encyclopedias and databases.

6. The Importance of Historical Sources

• They provide evidence of past events.
• Help historians reconstruct and understand historical events.
• Give insights into the lives and cultures of people from the past.
• Support historical research and education.

7. Negative Usage of Historical Sources Today

• Distortion: Some sources may present biased or inaccurate information.
• Manipulation: Historical facts can be twisted to serve specific political or ideological purposes.
• Obsolescence: Some sources may become irrelevant due to technological advances or new discoveries.

Objective Questions

1. Tertiary sources are materials that summarize or compile information from ________.
   a) Primary sources
   b) Secondary sources
   c) Both primary and secondary sources
   d) Oral sources
   Answer: c) Both primary and secondary sources
2. An example of a tertiary source is a(n) ________.
   a) Diary
   b) Encyclopedia
   c) Newspaper
   d) Interview
   Answer: b) Encyclopedia
3. Tertiary sources are mainly used for ________.
   a) Detailed analysis
   b) Primary research
   c) Quick reference
   d) Personal accounts
   Answer: c) Quick reference
4. Which of the following is NOT a tertiary source?
   a) Textbook
   b) Almanac
   c) Documentary film
   d) Research paper
   Answer: d) Research paper
5. The information found in tertiary sources is often ________.
   a) Detailed and complex
   b) Brief and summarized
   c) Directly from a witness
   d) Completely subjective
   Answer: b) Brief and summarized
6. Tertiary sources are helpful for students because they ________.
   a) Provide firsthand accounts
   b) Offer a detailed analysis of events
   c) Summarize a variety of sources
   d) Offer eyewitness testimony
   Answer: c) Summarize a variety of sources
7. A history dictionary is an example of a ________ source.
   a) Primary
   b) Secondary
   c) Tertiary
   d) Quaternary
   Answer: c) Tertiary
8. One disadvantage of tertiary sources is that they ________.
   a) Provide too much detail
   b) May oversimplify complex topics
   c) Are always biased
   d) Are written by eyewitnesses
   Answer: b) May oversimplify complex topics
9. Tertiary sources often do not include ________.
   a) Bibliographies
   b) New information
   c) Indexes
   d) Maps
   Answer: b) New information
10. Which of these is likely to be a tertiary source?
    a) A pottery artifact
    b) A magazine article
    c) An academic paper
    d) An almanac
    Answer: d) An almanac
11. Encyclopedias and textbooks are examples of ________ sources.
    a) Primary
    b) Secondary
    c) Tertiary
    d) Oral
    Answer: c) Tertiary
12. Tertiary sources can be used to quickly ________.
    a) Analyze historical events
    b) Verify facts
    c) Summarize multiple perspectives
    d) Create new theories
    Answer: b) Verify facts
13. Which of the following is a feature of tertiary sources?
    a) They provide firsthand accounts
    b) They are comprehensive
    c) They are concise and summarized
    d) They include personal opinions
    Answer: c) They are concise and summarized
14. A limitation of tertiary sources is that they often ________.
    a) Include inaccurate information
    b) Lack depth and critical analysis
    c) Contain too much detail
    d) Present new historical evidence
    Answer: b) Lack depth and critical analysis
15. The purpose of tertiary sources is mainly to ________.
    a) Provide in-depth research
    b) Summarize existing information
    c) Introduce new evidence
    d) Offer an eyewitness account
    Answer: b) Summarize existing information

Class Activity Discussion

1. What are tertiary sources in history?
   Answer: Tertiary sources are materials that summarize, compile, or condense information from primary and secondary sources. They are used for quick reference or to get an overview of a topic.
2. What is the difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary sources?
   Answer: Primary sources are firsthand accounts of events, secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources, and tertiary sources summarize or compile information from primary and secondary sources.
3. Can you give examples of tertiary sources?
   Answer: Yes, examples include encyclopedias, dictionaries, almanacs, bibliographies, and indexes.
4. Why are tertiary sources important in history?
   Answer: Tertiary sources are important because they provide quick access to summarized information, helping students and researchers get an overview of topics without diving into detailed research.
5. What are the advantages of using tertiary sources?
   Answer: Advantages include saving time, providing summaries of complex information, offering a broad range of topics in one source, and being easy to access and use.
6. What are the disadvantages of tertiary sources?
   Answer: Disadvantages include a lack of in-depth analysis, the potential for outdated information, and the risk of oversimplifying complex historical events.
7. How are tertiary sources used in historical research?
   Answer: Tertiary sources are used to quickly reference key facts, summarize events, and provide context for more in-depth research using primary or secondary sources.
8. Is a textbook considered a tertiary source?
   Answer: Yes, a textbook can be considered a tertiary source as it usually summarizes and compiles information from primary and secondary sources.
9. Why shouldn’t tertiary sources be relied on for detailed historical analysis?
   Answer: Tertiary sources typically lack the detailed analysis and critical depth found in primary and secondary sources, making them less suitable for in-depth research.
10. Can tertiary sources be biased?
    Answer: While tertiary sources aim to be neutral, there can be some bias depending on how the information is compiled or summarized.
11. What role do tertiary sources play in modern education?
    Answer: Tertiary sources play a role in providing students with quick, reliable summaries of information to assist in understanding broad concepts before moving on to more detailed research.
12. Are documentaries considered tertiary sources?
    Answer: Documentaries can be considered tertiary sources if they summarize or compile historical events from multiple sources.
13. What is the most common use of tertiary sources in history?
    Answer: The most common use is to provide a quick reference or overview of historical facts, figures, and events, making it easier to understand large amounts of information.
14. Should tertiary sources be cited in academic papers?
    Answer: While tertiary sources can be useful for background information, they should not be the main source of evidence in academic papers, as they lack the depth and originality of primary and secondary sources.
15. What is one major limitation of tertiary sources in historical studies?
    Answer: A major limitation is that tertiary sources do not provide new information or original analysis, and they often simplify complex historical events.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Revising the Previous Topic
   The teacher revisits the lesson on secondary sources in history, asking students to give examples and discuss their relevance.
2. Step 2: Introducing the New Topic
   The teacher introduces tertiary sources, providing a definition and explaining their role in historical research.
3. Step 3: Class Discussion
   The teacher engages students in identifying different historical sources (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and their significance in understanding history.
4. Step 4: Group Work
   Students are divided into small groups to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tertiary sources. Each group will present their findings.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the definition and examples of tertiary sources in history.
• Guide students in identifying various sources of history.
• Moderate group discussions on the advantages and disadvantages of tertiary sources.
• Provide feedback and clarify doubts as students work in groups.

Learners’ Activities

• Listen attentively and take notes.
• Participate in group discussions and class activities.
• Identify various sources of history and explain their importance.
• Present group work findings on the advantages and disadvantages of tertiary sources.

Evaluation Questions

1. What are tertiary sources in history?
2. Mention two examples of tertiary sources.
3. Explain one advantage of using tertiary sources.
4. List one disadvantage of tertiary sources.
5. What is the importance of identifying historical sources?
6. Define primary and secondary sources.
7. What is an example of a primary source?
8. Mention two uses of historical sources today.
9. Describe one negative effect of using historical sources.
10. How can tertiary sources be helpful to historians?

Conclusion

The teacher reviews the lesson, goes around the class to mark students’ group presentations, and provides feedback on their answers. The lesson is concluded by summarizing the main points on tertiary sources and their role in history.

More Useful Links

• Uncovering History: Understanding Primary Sources
• Analyzing History: Understanding Secondary Sources
• Exploring History: Understanding Tertiary Sources