Note about my methods

You will likely notice a pattern in these lesson plans--a "method" to my "madness" if you will.  It is true.  I have found a method that seems to work well and so I continue to find ways to adapt it to all of my classes.  Here is what I find works:

1. pose a question
2. brainstorm sources
3. give out original sources
4. struggle with the source to solve the problem at hand
5. report on what was found
6. discuss the process of doing research and the place of archives in that process

My advice?
Just jump right into the example whenever possible.  Engage the students immediately.  Use only originals (there is a romance about them).  Use audio, video, white boards, chalk boards, etc.  Overheads and databases are not engaging and so I avoid them at all costs.  "How to" sessions are boring and so I avoid them too.  When/If students return to the Archives as part of the assignment, I take that opportunity to talk about "how to" in a one-on-one session tailored to the students' needs.