Seniors having more success

I recently started the research unit with my sophomores. Instead of doing a major research paper like I had originally designed for this class, I decided to pair it down so as not to totally confuse and frustrate my kids. Specifically, instead of having the students spend 8 weeks completing research and writing a paper, they are spending 3 weeks learning the research process and writing an outline with citations.

Just as with my seniors, we had the whole discussion about valid and reliable resources. I do feel that this discussion went much better with my sophomores. I described non-valid resources as being like a stop sign, just avoid all together, don't even waste your time (and, of course, I described what non-valid sources are and how to recognize them...such as wikipedia, blogs, web posts, etc.). Then I described non-reliable resources through the metaphor of a yield sign. You can use these sites, but approach them with caution (and when I described these, I provided examples like political websites for politicians, religious websites, business sites). They really seemed to understand this. I was really glad that I was able to get them to really think about websites in this way because previously they felt that everything on the internet was a valid source. I don't know if I mentioned this, but I did this same lesson with my seniors. I feel that it was effect for both groups.

Interestingly enough, both groups seem to have a great deal of trouble when it goes to actually finding resources on the computer (whether they be databases--which I taught--or websites). They really seem to have problems when it comes to problem solving through the brick walls in the research process. When they come to a "brick wall" or a problem, they just want to give up, they don't know how to think through the problem solving process. For example, they don't think to re-word their search, or to try and search in a new location, or try and search with new materials, etc. I'm not sure if this is a generational thing...we've all heard the term the "now generation"...meaning they want results immediately. I think that could be part of it. However, for a generation that is more tech savvy than every before, I was truly surprised to see this.

The next time I do a major project where the kids must complete research, I think I will prep them for it by providing numerous webquest opportunities. Specifically, I think it would be really beneficial to have them work through their problems, "brick walls," in a low pressure situation where they can really explore how to find answers and work around research difficulties. I think completing a few webquests would definitely help with this.

The students had two days to complete research during class time: one day was on the computer using databases and internet, the other day was for book sources. I'll be curious to see the quality of research the students find.