Methodological points regarding the study and application of medieval historical sources in general education, high school cycle

Reconstructing the past is a complex process, which involves the use of different sources of information. Primary sources constitute the basis of any historical research. The modern approach to education emphasizes the independent study of students, the development of specific intradisciplinary and transdisciplinary skills. The development of critical thinking involves the formulation of one’s own arguments and value judgments, which cannot be achieved if one does not operate with certain sources of information. Current teaching strategies recommend shi¼ing the emphasis from explanatory-reproductive studying, in which the historical source is considered an auxiliary tool when working with the textbook, to subject-specific, individual activity, in which those who study extract the facts from the source themselves. From this perspective, the article proposes several methods of studying primary sources and their application in history lessons in the classroom, as well as in the student’s independent activity, outside the institutional framework.