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What
is Researching?
Research
projects are very effective for developing and extending language
arts skills as students learn in all subject areas. While doing
research, students practice reading for specific purposes, recording
information, sequencing and organizing ideas, and using language
to inform others.
A research model provides students with a framework for organizing
information about a topic. Research projects frequently include
these four steps:
- determining
the purpose and topic
- gathering
the information
- organizing
the information
- sharing
knowledge.
What
is its purpose?
- to
increase students' ability to access information, organize ideas
and share information with others
- to
provide opportunities for students to read a variety of reference
materials and resources
- to
involve students in setting learning goals and in determining
the scope of units of study
How
do I do it?
Students
at all grade levels can be involved in the process of research.
Initially, research should be a collaborative activity. As students
become familiar with the procedure they can undertake small group
or individual projects.
Determining the Purpose and Topic:
- Using
procedures such as discussing,
mapping or webbing,
determine students' interests and awareness levels about a topic
of study.
- List
what is known and questions students have about the topic.
- Categorize
these
questions and ideas.
- Examine
each category to determine subtopics and possible directions for
research.
- Considering
individuals' needs and interests, divide research topics or questions
among class members.
- Research
topics could be undertaken by groups, pairs or individuals.
- Brainstorm
the sources of information available in the school and in the
community.
Gathering
the Information:
- Students
gather information using a variety of reference material such
as information books, magazines, newspapers, encyclopedia, atlases,
filmstrips, films or video tapes.
- As
students initiate their research, the teacher may identify the
need for specific instruction on topics such as:
- determining
main ideas
- locating
specific facts and details
- interpreting
information conveyed in resources such as pictures, charts,
maps and graphs
- detecting
opinions and bias
- summarizing
and paraphrasing information in their own words
- recording
main ideas and interesting details.
- Students
could record the information in various ways including using sub-headings
or initial questions to categorize information or by recording
key words or phrases.
- Sources
and page numbers should be noted by students to assist in the
development of a bibliography at appropriate grade levels.
Organizing
the Information:
- Students
review the gathered information to ensure that questions have
been answered.
- Students
consider how they will sequence the information.
Sharing
Knowledge:
- Students
consider potential audiences and how they will share what has
been learned.
- Suggestions
for sharing knowledge include oral or written reports, displays,
creating books and charts, or presentations including visual art,
music, dance or drama.
- Audiences
may include other research groups, the class or younger students.
How
can I adapt it?
- As
a precursor to research, students could compile theme books or
scrapbooks by collecting pictures and articles related to a specific
topic of study or interest.
- Researching
should be conducted in all subject areas.
- Research
may incorporate the following strategies:
Assessment
& Evaluation Considerations
- Note
students' ability to access and use a variety of reference materials
for information.
- Observe
students' ability to use language to convey meaning to others.
- Note
students' ability to organize main ideas and supporting details
in a logical sequence.
- Note
students' ability to determine an effective format and medium
for sharing information.
- Note
students' ability to share information and understandings in various
ways.
Teacher
Resources
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