The document introduces the FINDS research model for conducting research. FINDS stands for Focus, Investigate, Note, Develop, and Score. It defines each stage of the model and provides questions researchers should consider at each stage to effectively search for, evaluate, and apply information to solve information problems or complete assignments. Sample lesson plans and criteria for evaluating sources and final presentations are also discussed to help students apply the FINDS model.

1. Phenessa A. Jones, MSLS FINDS: Research for Language Arts

3. R U E-Literate? Compliments of University of California

4. Think-Pair-Share Question Think about what information means to you. How would you define Information Literacy? Why is accurate information important?

5. Information Literacy “ To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the information needed.” American Library Association, 1998

6. Information Literacy

8. Sample Lesson Plan ReadWriteThink: Biography Project

9. FINDS Questions to Think about…

10. What is my assignment or the information problem to be solved?

11. What are my questions and/or thesis sentence?

12. What types of information will be needed? magazines Almanacs

13. How will I organize my search plan?

14. What keywords and alternate search terms would be best for my topic?

15. What search terminology and techniques should I use? Keyword – Any word that describes what you want to find. May also be called a “subject” word. Syntax – AND, OR, NOT. Also known as Boolean operators. For example: http://kathyschrock.net/rbs3k/boolean/

16. What are the best sources of information to investigate and explore for your answers?

17. WWW Public Library Classroom Teacher Home Media Center Where will you investigate and explore these sources?

18. If you will be using the World Wide Web, what search engine(s) will you use to investigate and gather your information?

19. Where is the information within each source and how do I locate it? Who What When Where Why

20. What online database(s) will you use to investigate and explore your information?

21. What criteria should I use to evaluate the information I found? C – Credibility A – Accuracy R – Reliability S – Support

22. Does the information I found relate to my topic and questions?

23. How do I take notes so that they are in my own words?

24. Which facts do I need to create a citation for each source?

25. Do I have facts from all points of view on my topic?

26. Do I have the information I need and is my research complete? WWW

27. How should I present the information to best share what I learned with others?

29. Have I analyzed and used the information effectively?

30. Are my conclusions based on the research evidence?

31. How do I organize my citations into a bibliography and what format will I use? APA MLA AMA Turabian Chicago

32. How do I integrate technology to enrich, publish, or present my project?

33. What criteria will I use to judge my product?

34. Did I present the information in the best way?

35. Was my research process efficient and effective?

36. How could I improve my search process next time?

37. THANK YOU The Florida SUNLINK Project is a product of the Florida Department of Education, Library Media Services Office: http://www.sunlink.ucf.edu/finds /