Skip to Main Content
Article navigation
Purpose

The authors conducted a study at a history museum with the objective of examining changes in the knowledge of students aged 12 to 14 concerning the use of primary sources.

Design/methodology/approach

Students utilized self-led guides while exploring two museum spaces presenting different historical events. These guides encouraged students to scrutinize the exhibits, become acquainted with the methods employed in their research, and develop an awareness of the information derived from them. Students' responses to pre- and postquestionnaires were compared and analyzed using mixed methods.

Findings

The results revealed that students became familiar with various types of primary sources, recognized that only specific sources endure through time and gained an understanding of the research methods employed to study them. Additionally, most students comprehended that the same sources could lead to diverse historical accounts and the potential reasons for such variations.

Practical implications

Recommendations for practice are discussed.

Originality/value

This study contributed to the limited knowledge regarding learning during a single, self-led tour in a history museum. The findings illuminate the potential for learning and advancing historical thinking concepts even within such museum-visit contexts.

Licensed re-use rights only
You do not currently have access to this content.
Don't already have an account? Register

Purchased this content as a guest? Enter your email address to restore access.

Please enter valid email address.
Email address must be 94 characters or fewer.
Pay-Per-View Access
$39.00
Rental

or Create an Account

Close Modal
Close Modal

Gift article access

As a benefit of your subscription, you can share temporary access to restricted articles.

Each link will stop working after 30 days or 10 uses. You may create up to 10 links in a 30 day period.

Please sign in to your personal account to gift article access.

Register

Gift article access

As a benefit of your subscription, you can share temporary access to restricted articles.

Each link will stop working after 30 days or 10 uses. You may create up to 10 links in a 30 day period.

Gift articles remaining: --

Gift article access

Each link will stop working after 30 days or 10 uses. You may create up to 10 links in a 30 day period.

Gift articles remaining: --

Gift article access

As a benefit of your subscription, you can share temporary access to restricted articles.

Each link will stop working after 30 days or 10 uses.

You have reached the limit of 10 links within a 30 day period.