Investigative journalists need to learn how to interrogate official documents in order to find essential facts and then inform the audience.
This lesson plan is based on the article ‘How to investigate official documents’ which we recommend trainers read before adapting the material below for your own purposes.
Learning objective
Students will critically analyse official documents to identify their origin, purpose, and any potential biases or inaccuracies. They will also evaluate the document’s context and related records to uncover deeper insights and verify the information presented.
- Student-facing objective: By the end of this lesson the student will be able to examine official documents to find out who made them, why, and if there’s anything suspicious or missing.
- Standards: Journalists will learn how to investigate official documents including the questions to ask and the barriers to information.
Learning activities
Warm-up
Present students with a simple, fictional official document, such as a “Changes in immigration processing regulations”. Use Google Gemini AI or any other free AI tool to design a sample document for educational purposes. Here is an example of such a document created using AI. Display it on the board. Ask students to spend a few minutes observing the document and jotting down their initial thoughts. Prompt them with questions like:
- What do you notice about the document’s layout and language?
- Who might have created this document, and why?
- What information seems crucial, and what might be missing?
Afterward, facilitate a brief discussion where students share their observations and hypotheses. Record the main points on the board to highlight the importance of questioning and analysing documents. This primes students for deeper investigation skills in the lesson.
Direct instruction
Identify Document Origin and Purpose
Present an example of an official document, such as a government-issued permit. Guide students to identify the document’s creator and purpose. Discuss the importance of understanding who created the document and why. Use questions like:
- Who issued this document?
- What was the intended purpose at the time of issuance?
- How might the purpose have evolved over time?
Provide solution steps for analysing the document’s origin and purpose.
Analyse document content and context
Introduce a second document related to the first, such as a regulation that necessitated the permit. Again consider using AI to draft a sample document. Instruct students to examine the content for jargon, acronyms, and codes. Discuss how these elements can obscure understanding. Use questions like:
- What terms or codes need clarification?
- How does this document relate to the first one?
- What additional information does it provide?
Provide solution steps for decoding and contextualising the document.
Evaluate document accuracy and bias
Present a scenario where the document’s information might be inaccurate or biased. Encourage students to question the document’s reliability and explore potential biases. Use questions like:
- What evidence supports or contradicts the document’s claims?
- Are there any signs of bias or missing information?
- How can you verify the document’s accuracy independently?
Provide solution steps for evaluating the document’s credibility and identifying biases.
Guided practice
Think, Pair, Share Activity
- Think: Present students with a new official document, again use AI to create a fictitious document. Make sure you edit to include points you want to raise with the class. Ask the students to individually analyse the document, focusing on its origin, purpose, and any potential biases or inaccuracies.
- Pair: Have students pair up to discuss their findings. Encourage them to compare their analyses and identify any differences in their observations.
- Share: Facilitate a class discussion where pairs share their insights. Highlight key points and discrepancies noted by different pairs.
- Clarify: Guide students to clarify any confusing terms or codes found in the document. Encourage them to use resources or ask questions to deepen their understanding.
- Connect: Ask students to connect this document to others they have analyzed, discussing how it fits into a broader context and what additional information might be needed to verify its accuracy.
Independent practice
- Provide students with a set of official documents, again created with AI and adapted.
- Instruct students to work individually to analyse each document, focusing on:
- Identifying the document’s origin and purpose.
- Evaluating the document’s content for jargon, acronyms, and codes.
- Assessing the document’s accuracy and potential biases.
- Encourage students to take notes on their findings and questions.
- Direct students to practice a related exercise by placing placeholders where I should link to said exercise.
- Circulate throughout the class to observe students as they work and provide support as needed.
Assignment
Ask these questions:
- What is one question you should ask when investigating an official document?
- How can you verify the accuracy of information in a document?
- Are there any points you are unclear about?
Suggested answers:
- Suggested answer to Question 1: Who created the document and why?
- Suggested answer to Question 2: Cross-check the information with other sources or related documents.
Teacher resources
Differentiation guide
- Advanced learners: Encourage deeper analysis by having them explore the historical context of the document’s creation. Challenge them to identify systemic patterns or trends in document issuance and updates. Suggest they investigate the broader implications of the document’s purpose and its impact on policy or society.
- Striving learners: Simplify tasks by providing a checklist of key questions to ask when analysing documents. Offer guided examples with clear explanations of jargon and acronyms. Pair them with peers for collaborative analysis to build confidence and understanding. Use visual aids to illustrate document relationships and context.
- Background reading: This lesson plan is based on the article ‘How to investigate official documents’ which we recommend trainers read before adapting the material below for your own purposes.
Notable definitions
- Official document: A formal written record issued by a government or authoritative body, often used to convey information, grant permissions, or record transactions.
- Bias: A tendency or inclination that affects impartial judgment, potentially leading to unfair or inaccurate conclusions in the context of document analysis.
- Jargon: Specialised language used by a particular group or profession, often difficult for outsiders to understand, which can obscure the meaning of official documents.
Required materials
- Copies of fictional and real-world official documents
- Whiteboard and markers for recording observations and key points
- Access to resources for clarifying jargon, acronyms, and codes (e.g., glossaries, online databases)
- Notebooks or digital devices for students to take notes
- Projector or screen for displaying documents and facilitating discussions
Lesson summary
- Warm-up
- Direct instruction
- Guided practice
- Independent practice
- Assignment
The free teaching tools at the Khan Academy were used in the production of this lesson plan.
