Introducing Research Skills
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This document outlines the six steps for conducting effective research: 1. Decide on a topic and focus questions. 2. Find information from a variety of sources like libraries, the internet, and experts. 3. Record information through notes and bibliographies rather than direct copying. 4. Select the most relevant information to answer the focus questions. 5. Present the research findings using appropriate formats like essays, articles, or presentations. 6. Evaluate the research process and identify ways to improve.
Introducing Research Skills
- 1. Research Skills A brief guide
- 2. WHY Research Skills? Research is assessed in every subject in the Senior school (Years 11 -13) as part of the Internal component of NCEA. Internal assessments are EASIER to pass. You are allowed to RESUBMIT incorrect work. It is usually worth a large number of credits (9 Credits in Level 3 History). However you are expected to have these skills when you arrive in Year 11. These skills are NOT taught in the senior school.
- 3. The SIX Steps Decide on a topic Find information Record information Select the best information Present the information Evaluate the process
- 4. DECIDE what to research What you are going to research or investigate? What have you been instructed to investigate? What interests you most? What has a lot of information? Where can you find the information? What you would like to know? If needed make up FOCUSSING Questions that will allow you to find as much as possible.
- 5. FIND the best information Find the information using a variety of resources. School Library and the Librarians. Wellington Public Library (and its booking system) National Library Internet/Computers INNZ EPIC Encyclopaedias – Britannica but not necessarily Wikipedia… Search Engines incl. Google, Alta Vista National Archives. Multimedia – Video etc. People – parents, teachers, officials or experts
- 6. RECORD the information How do you keep records of the information you find? Dot and Jot Notes summarising information NOT copying! Summarising means putting the information into your own words ….. Photocopying, Scanning/OCR for later reading and notetaking. Always ensure you record the Bibliography details (see the Library guide).
- 7. Recording Information Find information that may help you answer the question Copy the information in your own words Rewrite the information in a way that answers the question DO NOT SIMPLY COPY the Information
- 8. SELECT the best information Assemble your information to help you answer each of your Focussing questions. Choose information that best answers the questions you asked? Problem Solving: What could I do better? Choose the BEST material to answer them. Use this as the basis for presenting your research.
- 9. PRESENT the information What is the best way of presenting the information to ensure it answers the question well? A graph or a table? Paragraphs Images How will you present my research? Is there an established or specified format? Can You choose? Essay? Magazine Article? Booklet? Poster? Power-point presentation? Website?
- 10. EVALUATE the research Critically evaluate the way you researched the topic. Did you use your time wisely? (the most common problem) Were there other sources you could have used? Was this the best way of presenting the information? Did you check with the teacher to ensure you were on track? What helped or hindered your progress?
- 11. ENJOY yourself Research is about the joy of discovery.