Archivists as Teachers November 21 2019 KCAA Fall

“Archivists as Teachers” November 21, 2019 KCAA Fall Symposium Mark P. Adams, Education Director Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

Overview n Teaching methodology n Different audiences n Using archives and exhibits n Examples of programs n How to create

Teaching Methodology “Using Primary Sources” n Students see the real and personal side of an event n Examine different viewpoints n Draw their own conclusions n Uncover their own information n Make it relevant to today n Use same skills in viewing today’s media

Methodology: “Reading Like a Historian”

Methodology: “Reading Like a Historian” n Students view details, opinions and ideas n Allows for close observation instead of cursory overviews n Personal stories n Students begin to question the text and check its subjectivity

“Reading Like a Historian” n Eye witness accounts bring history alive n Offer a variety of perspectives n Different interpretations n Analytical skills such as: – Recognize fact/opinion – Recognize bias – Examine motive

Visual Thinking Strategies Using artwork and exhibits n Visual thinking strategies – What do you notice? – What do you see that makes you say that? – What more can we find? Combine with Inquiry method n Exhibit stations n Detective/historian activities n

Visual Thinking Strategies Using artwork, cartoons and photos n n n Visual analysis Visual thinking strategies Photo analysis Cartoon analysis Useful with younger audiences Useful to introduce a new topic or to end a program

Creating Questions for Activities Interpretation of sources n n n n Who wrote the source? Who published the source? Where and when was it written? Why was it written? It is a private piece of information or meant for publication? Have students create questions themselves – eases frustration Interview the author/artist scenario

Creating Questions for Activities Interpretation of sources n n n n What was the motive for publication? What is the bias of the source? Does the source contain opinions? Does the source contain useful facts? How useful is the source? Bonus question – What information does the source not contain? Where next? What is the next research step?

Creating programs and activities n White House Decision Center – Opened in October 2001 – Created with help of teacher advisory groups – Authentic scenarios – Uses primary source documents extensively

Truman Footlocker n Designed for elementary students n Complete curriculum n Loaned out to schools n Photos n Documents n Cartoons n Secondary sources & replicas used

Third grade program n Started in 2014 n Designed with ISD teachers n 18 schools & 1, 200 students n Interns and volunteers n Exhibit stations/ activities n Reviewed every summer and revised

Exhibit materials and Interactives n Curriculum for museum exhibits n Reusable Museum Interactives n Student Research Files n Meet State Standards for both Kansas and Missouri School Districts

Online lesson plans using archival materials n n n Teacher created Standards based Template to follow Online Database Added to every year during annual teacher conference ISD Inquiries project using “Reading Like a Historian”

Online lesson plans using archival materials n n n ISD Inquiries project using “Reading Like a Historian” methods Compelling question Primary source documents online Lesson procedures All downloadable

Creating tours n Inquiry method n Use questions as a prompt n Interaction between guide and visitor n Adjust based on http: //www. museum-ed. org/index-of-issues/ age/interest of visitors

Different audiences n n n Home School Days National History Day students and teachers Teacher in-service Adult groups using student programs Virtual programs – – – Sr. Learning Network PPSP Distance learning

Teacher input n Advisory groups n Review material n Create materials n Brainstorm n Evaluation n Advance PR n Use both retired and active teachers n Use volunteers and interns

Conclusion n n n n Identify appropriate archival and exhibit material Ask teachers for help/input Use strengths of your collection What is unique? Meet education standards Evaluate Review and change Keep it simple!

Conclusion n n n Make activity personal Expose varied viewpoints Make it relevant to today Allow discovery Create for both elementary & secondary Test & pilot activity with teachers Review and evaluate

Questions? n mark. adams@nara. gov