Program
Teaching M.A.
Number of Pages
73
Year Approved
2026
First Advisor
John Bergeland
Second Reader
Lisa Silmser
Abstract
This thesis reviews the use of primary sources in education. This literature review analyzes 30 articles regarding educators’ use of primary sources. There are four major themes within the articles: literacy with primary sources, engagement with primary sources, comprehension with primary sources, and examples of primary source units or lessons. While specific teaching topics vary, the overall consensus is that primary sources can help students’ skills with literacy, engagement, and comprehension. A main topic among the research is the educators’ understanding of scaffolding, pre-teaching, choosing primary sources, and re-using the primary sources, to be able to teach students effectively.
Degree Name
Teaching M.A.
Document Type
Masterʼs thesis
Recommended Citation
Beaulieu, L. L. (2026). Teaching Primary Sources to Increase Engagement and Build Literacy [Masterʼs thesis, Bethel University]. Spark Repository. https://spark.bethel.edu/etd/1299
Terms of Use and License Information
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.