Introduction:
Browsing the internet with a series of searches for words like Prime Minister or fires is a great way to spend a lot of time looking at things you don't need. There are many great ways to find information, and in this lesson, students teach each other what these ways are.
|
 |
Avoid the trap of inefficient searching and say what you mean! Read and understand how to search. |
Activities:
Task One - Searching
Visit these web sites to learn about how to conduct an effective search. Make sure you can explain how many words to enter, how to make your search more specific and how to interpret a URL
Media Awarness Network
(right click to open this page in a new window)
Google's page on Advanced Searches
(right click to open this page in a new window)
Bright Planet's Guide to Searching
(right click to open this page in a new window)
USC Beauford's Guide to URL parts
(right click to open this page in a new window)
|
Task Two - The Research Search
Choose a group of group of 2-5 people. Each group chooses a topic off of the handout. No two groups may do the same topic. Once you have chosen your topic, use the search techniques you learned in Task One to find the answers to your questions. Remember you have 30 minutes to find your information and prepare to present it. Assign each group member one or more questions and search for twenty minutes. Then get together as a group and share what you found. |
|
|
Objectives:
You will be able to
-
locate, assess, and summarize information from a variety of sources
- recognize the value of teamwork and co-operation
- speak to inform
|
Resources:
- the group questions on the research cycle
- internet access
|
Avoiding the Trap: Many people get trapped by not knowing how to find information, or not knowing exactly what they need to know. Common traps including:
- doing basic searches, and not using advance search options or techniques
- looking for information without limiting information you do not want
- not finding the most common way to say what you are looking for
- not planning the process of looking for information
|
Task Two Continued. . .
Choose a group member to report what the group found, and remember to write down what others found too. You will use the Research Cycle many times as a student. Task Three - Debriefing
Now that you are done presenting, the class should discuss three key questions:
|
- Why was it hard to find the information in the time limit? If it was easy, what made it easy?
- Why is the research cycle valuable when you are preparing to report about something to an audience?
- What things about the research cycle are still unclear? Why are they unclear?
|
|
|
