Teaching with DBQs: A Model for Historical Literacy and Inquiry-Based Instruction
Document-based questions (DBQs) are often used as a way to access a student’s historical content knowledge, analytical thinking skills, and argumentative writing abilities. But, DBQs can also be used to teach these skills in a student-centered approach. Using engaging questions and primary sources from a variety of perspectives, DBQs can be used as a way to teach, not just assess, historical content, literacy, and thinking skills in a student-centered approach. The day includes an overview of The DBQ Project 6-Step Method where teachers go through all the steps in a lively, interactive session. Special emphasis will be placed on differentiating the process to meet the needs of all learners and utilizing the gradual-release model for document analysis. The goal of the workshop is for everyone to leave enthusiastically ready to implement a DBQ in their classrooms.
Participants will receive a DBQ unit of their choice and access to the DBQ resources at the ESC.