Primary Sources and Comparison

I feel that before using primary sources to compare it is important to have students practice with less difficult sources and have a good understanding of what we want in their comparisons. The first time students compare in my world history class is comparing Paleolithic and Neolithic, which does not have a lot of primary sources available. So my students read stories set in the two eras and find the differences/similarities. Using this practice later in the year when we are comparing Sparta and Athens primary sources are added in and students are able better compare. I find that working up to using primary sources is what helps student grasp the skill a little better. 

I feel that before using primary sources to compare it is important to have students practice with less difficult sources and have a good understanding of what we want in their comparisons. The first time students compare in my world history class is comparing Paleolithic and Neolithic, which does not have a lot of primary sources available. So my students read stories set in the two eras and find the differences/similarities. Using this practice later in the year when we are comparing Sparta and Athens primary sources are added in and students are able better compare. I find that working up to using primary sources is what helps student grasp the skill a little better.