Research & The Information process
- 2. There are 6 steps in the RESEARCH PROCESS and while generally you start with defining/deconstructing, the movement through the process is not always linear.
- 3. 2. Locate Information 3. Select & Analyze 1. Define & Deconstruct The Information Process 6. Evaluate 4. Organize & Synthesize 5. Present
- 4. Questions can be DECONSTRUCTED and/or DEFINED by using concept maps, graphic organisers etc. They can be set by the teacher or developed by the student using Bloom’s Taxonomy, DeBono’s Thinking Hats or a myriad of other thinking strategies and tools.
- 5. Formulate some simple questions to help you gather specific information and to clarify what direction you need to take. e.g. Who? What? When? Where? Why? If you are not sure what the topic involves, use dictionaries and encyclopaedias to get your head around the topic. Create a concept map to brainstorm and organise your ideas. 1. Define & Deconstruct Write down specific keywords for internet search engines and decide how to combine them Write down search keywords (subject topics) for library catalogues
- 6. In the LOCATING stage the focus is to develop a search strategy and match the information need with an appropriate information source. e.g. books, internet sites, journal/newspaper articles, etc
- 7. If you have no knowledge of the topic try reading the general entry in an encyclopaedia to get keywords and related terms Decide what resources may contain the best information – books (fiction & non-fiction), magazines, videos/DVDs, websites, organizations, primary sources 2. Locate Information If you need more general information consider using a subject directory Use a variety of resources so that you can compare and contrast points of view Revise keywords if searches are not successful
- 8. At the SELECTING & ANALYSING stage students employ reading strategies and critical analysis skills to decide if the resources are appropriate and relevant to the research task.
- 9. Skim and scan resources to see if they are relevant to your topic. Have a systematic way of organising your research. 3. Select & Analyze Critically evaluate the sources you are using for validity and bias
- 10. At the ORGANISING & SYNTHESISING stage students make notes using graphic organises then sort, compare, classify and make connections. They also return to the original question and ensure enough information has been collected.
- 11. Make notes of relevant information As you take notes, keep making comparisons between information from different sources. 4. Organize & Synthesize Combine answers from different resources Keep track of your information sources and record their bibliographic details.
- 12. PRESENTATION can take man forms from a report or essay to a model or an oral. Assessment criteria/rubrics should be revisited to at this stage, so that students have a clear understanding of what is required and how it will be assessed.
- 13. If you are not sure of how to structure your research, seek clarification and/or help on essay writing, project work, report writing etc Choose an appropriate format and medium for the presentation of your research. 5. Present Carefully read your draft to see if your arguments make sense, and have evidence to back them up. Provide a bibliography Make sure any diagrams, charts and tables are clearly labelled.
- 14. In the EVALUATING stage students reflect on their work and the information process and plan for improvement in this task or subsequent tasks.
- 15. Allow time for careful editing, proof reading and review of your work Make sure you have answered the question appropriately 6. Evaluate Make a note of any difficulties you encountered while carrying out your research and find some time to improve in these areas.
- 16. 2. Locate Information 3. Select & Analyze 1. Define / Deconstruct Planning, researching & writing an assignment 6. Evaluate 4. Organize & Synthesize 5. Present