Using our primary source analysis tools in the classroom

About the tools

We have a suite of tools for analysing specific primary sources (e.g. photo or artwork). Once ākonga have examined different primary sources, they can use our collation tool — Kohinga taunaki matua | A place to collect your evidence — to bring together evidence from different sources.

The tools are designed to be printed for ākonga to complete offline.

Each tool also has a simple text, accessible version for learners who may prefer this option. The simple text version may be useful for kaiako (teachers) to use as a guide, or to create their own learning activities around primary source analysis.

The tools have been designed by experienced teachers, with guidance from an accessibility expert for the online content.

Tools for different skill levels

We have 3 levels of tools to support ākonga with different skills in primary source analysis:

• explore

• analyse

• critically analyse.

Explore

This level introduces ākonga to primary source analysis with easy-to-follow prompts, simple language and icons designed to spark curiosity. It's a great first step into primary source analysis for early readers in primary school, ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) students or students with literacy needs.

Analyse

Prompts in the analyse level introduce ākonga to key concepts such as authorship and purpose, and identifying perspectives. This level is a progression from ‘explore’ for primary and intermediate ākonga. It can also be used as a sense check before moving to the critically analyse level.

Critically analyse

Ākonga follow a checklist of questions and prompts to apply critical analysis skills to a variety of primary sources. This level supports ākonga to engage with primary sources at a deeper level. They are prompted to identify aspects such as the intended audience, whose voices are missing and to consider the strengths and limitations of each primary source. Kaiako can use the critically analyse questions and prompts as a comprehensive guide for any level.

Using the tools

Download and print the tools for ākonga to write on or use the simple text versions.

Start by asking ākonga to complete the sentence ‘I am learning about …’ to make a connection between the topic they're learning about and the primary source they'll be analysing.

The primary source analysis tools follow a 3-step framework:

• āta tirotiro | observe

• urupare | respond

• whakaaroaro | reflect.

The critically analyse tool includes a fourth step: manatārua | copyright and usage guidelines.

Āta tirortiro | Observe — what can I see?

Ākonga are guided through close viewing of the primary source to think critically about what they can see in the primary source and its caption. Specific tools prompt ākonga to note what they observe, such as layout, language and visual elements. They're also prompted to make observations about people, places, objects, events and time periods.

Urupare | Respond — my feelings, ideas, and thoughts

This step allows ākonga to generate a personal response by thinking about their thoughts, feelings and impressions of the primary source. They can also consider aspects such as continuity and change, and evaluate how useful the primary source is for what they're learning about.

Whakaaroaro | Reflect — my critical reflections

Ākonga use their responses from the āta tirotiro and urupare steps to reflect on what they have discovered and try to make sense of the information. In this step, ākonga are encouraged to develop their inquiry skills. They're prompted to:

• ask critical questions about the author and content

• consider different perspectives

• identify which aspects they would like to explore further

• think what trusted sources they can find further information from.

Manatārua | Copyright — usage and copyright guidelines

At the critically analyse level, ākonga consider the importance of taking into account cultural considerations, attribution and copyright when using primary sources. By paying attention to the copyright and usage guidelines, ākonga will be able to identify the origin, author or creator of the primary source and the associated usage rights and responsibilities that apply.

Kohinga taunaki matua | A place to collect your evidence

Ākonga are encouraged to engage with a range of primary sources. At the analyse and critically analyse levels, ākonga can use our collation tool — Kohinga taunaki matua | A place to collect your evidence — to bring together evidence from different primary sources.

Ākonga can use this collation tool as a guide to evaluate the usefulness of different sources and select which sources they will use to build a case about historical or contemporary issues.