Course Logistics

Develop the skills to facilitate inclusive, inquiry-based civic learning that encourages thoughtful discussion and critical analysis. In this course, you'll explore strategies for helping students engage with multiple perspectives, participate in productive civic dialogue, and strengthen their media literacy. You'll also examine inquiry routines aligned with the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework that support meaningful civic and social studies learning for all students. Dates: Wednesday, January 13 to Tuesday, February 9, 2027 Live Sessions (via Zoom): Session One: Wednesday, January 20, 2027 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm EST OR Thursday, January 21, 2027 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm EST Session Two: Wednesday, February 3, 2027 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm EST OR Thursday, February 4, 2027 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm EST Course Format: In-person & Asynchronous Duration: 15 hours; two 1.5 hour workshops, 6 hours asynchronous  Professional Development Points (PDPs): 15 Fee: $600 for all educators outside of Massachusetts (no charge for Massachusetts public school educators)

Course Overview

5 Chapters · 29 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Pre-Course Survey

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Using Inquiry Strategies to Support Social Studies and Civics in the Elementary Grades

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction to Inquiry-Based Learning (30 minutes)

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Inquiry Is Foundational for Social Studies and Civic Learning (25 minutes)

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Questioning (25 minutes)

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Investigating, Analyzing, and Evaluating Resources (25 minutes)

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Communicating and Sharing New Understanding (25 minutes)

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Assessing Inquiry-Based Learning

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      Putting it All Together to Create an Inquiry-Based Experience (50 minutes)

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      Closing

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      Module: Developing Media Literacy in Elementary Grades

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      What is Media Literacy? (25 minutes)

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      Key Elements of Media Literacy (55 minutes)

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      Analyzing the Media You Encounter and the Media You Create

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      Using an Inquiry Approach

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      Asking Critical Questions

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      Minor Shifts as a Guiding Approach

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      Integrating Media Literacy into Content Lessons

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      Stand-Alone Media Literacy Lessons

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      Decoding Media

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      Additional Resources

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Closing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Post-Course Survey

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Culminating Task: Fostering Dialogue and Inquiry in Elementary

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Session One: Creating a Community that Welcomes Multiple Perspectives

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Session One: Creating a Community that Welcomes Multiple Perspectives

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Session Two: Teaching Elementary Students to Have Discussions

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Live Session Two: Teaching Elementary Students to Have Discussions

About Primary Source

Primary Source educates global citizens by working with teachers to foster students’ knowledge, skills, and dispositions for thoughtful and engaged citizenship. With our guidance and resources, teachers cultivate students’ civic-mindedness, cultural awareness, and global competence, preparing them for our increasingly diverse and interconnected world. We collaborate with teachers, schools, and educational organizations to offer professional development programs and resources that help make global, civics, and cultural education an integral part of every student’s classroom experience. Our engaging face-to-face and online programs, curriculum resources, and international study tours enhance global understanding, civic engagement, and cultural understanding, and help thousands of teachers every year bring the wider world to their students. To learn more, visit our homepage at primarysource.org!