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For decades, using primary source evidence in the history classroom has been one of the few undisputable paradigms of history instruction in Germany. Consequently, gaining historical knowledge from primary sources has been a core element in modelling historical competencies. However, which competencies are being acquired or activated when students are faced with primary source evidence in everyday history lessons remains virtually unknown.
In order to examine how students and teachers use primary sources, the author has filmed and analyzed more than forty history lessons using the documentary method. The results suggest that a certain amount of construction and the opportunity for cooperation are required in order to foster the competent use of primary sources. Instruction based on traditional teacher-centered classroom discussion, on the other hand, does not offer a suitable framework for competency-based historical learning.