National Library – Tools for primary source analysis

This suite of tools is designed for analysing primary sources for Aotearoa New Zealand’s histories. Primary sources are items from the time period being studied, for example, a photo or artwork from the time. (Secondary sources are those created afterwards.)

Ākonga can examine different primary sources, then use the 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 has a simple text-accessible version for learners who may prefer this option. The simple text version may be useful for kaiako 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.

There are three levels of tools to support ākonga with different skills in primary source analysis:

  • explore
  • analyse
  • critically analyse.

Before engaging in primary source analysis with your class, read about what they are and how to use them effectively and responsibly:

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