What CAPS Means for History Teachers

The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) plays an essential role in the implementation of primary and secondary sources in teaching and learning history. According to the CAPS, utilizing primary and secondary sources are encouraged in history education as they allow learners to investigate the past critically and independently (Department of Basic Education, 2011). Primary sources give learners a firsthand account of an event, an era, or a phenomenon, thus allowing them to gain a deeper understanding and connection with the past. Secondary sources, on the other hand, are interpretations and analyses of primary sources. These sources provide learners with different viewpoints and interpretations, fostering their critical thinking and analytical skills (Mackenzie, Basil, & Steinberg, 2015). Mackenzie, Basil, & Steinberg (2015) argue that the usage of both primary and secondary sources in history lessons adheres to the CAPS principle of developing learners who are able to use information critically. They point out that these sources encourage active learning, as students question, interpret, and evaluate the information they receive. Furthermore, the use of these sources aids in achieving the CAPS goal of promoting knowledge and understanding of human behavior and societal development across time and space. They provide students with a broader perspective and a more comprehensive understanding of historical events, cultures, and societal changes. The practical implementation, however, requires the history teacher to utilize these sources effectively. It involves careful source selection, preparation of source-based questions, and guidance for learners on how to extract and analyze information from these sources (Mackenzie, Basil, & Steinberg, 2015). In conclusion, the CAPS plays a vital role in enforcing the use of primary and secondary sources in history education, with the aim of promoting active learning, critical thinking, and a comprehensive understanding of history. References Department of Basic Education. (2011). Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement Grades 7-9: Social Sciences. Pretoria: Department of Basic Education. Mackenzie, B., & Steinberg, C. (2015). A teaching proposal using a variety of sources and historical explanations. Yesterday and Today, 14, 111-138.