Discusses the importance of teaching information literacy skills through hands-on learning, and offers alternatives to assigning research papers to add variety for both students and teachers.
Factors to consider before choosing school project topicsResearchWap
School project work is an essay that presents the results of a student’s research of a particular topic in print, electronic, or multimedia format. The skill involves finding, evaluating, and assimilating the ideas of other researchers and this is essential in any field of study. Unlike other essay writing, a research project work follows the same processes as other kinds of writing, from planning through drafting to revising, but the difference is that instead of relying exclusively on what you alreadSchool project work is an essay that presents the results of a student’s research of a particular topic in print, electronic, or multimedia format. The skill involves finding, evaluating, and assimilating the ideas of other researchers and this is essential in any field of study. Unlike other essay writing, a research project work follows the same processes as other kinds of writing, from planning through drafting to revising, but the difference is that instead of relying exclusively on what you already know about a topic, you rather include source materials, facts, data, knowledge, or opinions of other researchers to support your research project works. know about a topic, you rather include source materials, facts, data, knowledge, or opinions of other researchers to support your research project works.
This is my final project for my Internet in Education course. I utilized PowerPoint to put together a quick presentation for students on how to research, the importance of citing properly, and basic MLA guidelines. Many external sources are us
This is a North Central University course (EDU 7101-8): Prepare an Annotated Bibliography. It is written in APA format, has been graded by an instructor (A), and includes references. Most higher-education assignments are submitted to turnitin, so remember to paraphrase. Let us begin.
This presentation will help you through the research process, including choosing a subject, concentrating on your topic, identifying keywords, searching for library materials, remote access, avoiding plagiarism, reviewing sources, and referencing sources.
Factors to consider before choosing school project topicsResearchWap
School project work is an essay that presents the results of a student’s research of a particular topic in print, electronic, or multimedia format. The skill involves finding, evaluating, and assimilating the ideas of other researchers and this is essential in any field of study. Unlike other essay writing, a research project work follows the same processes as other kinds of writing, from planning through drafting to revising, but the difference is that instead of relying exclusively on what you alreadSchool project work is an essay that presents the results of a student’s research of a particular topic in print, electronic, or multimedia format. The skill involves finding, evaluating, and assimilating the ideas of other researchers and this is essential in any field of study. Unlike other essay writing, a research project work follows the same processes as other kinds of writing, from planning through drafting to revising, but the difference is that instead of relying exclusively on what you already know about a topic, you rather include source materials, facts, data, knowledge, or opinions of other researchers to support your research project works. know about a topic, you rather include source materials, facts, data, knowledge, or opinions of other researchers to support your research project works.
This is my final project for my Internet in Education course. I utilized PowerPoint to put together a quick presentation for students on how to research, the importance of citing properly, and basic MLA guidelines. Many external sources are us
This is a North Central University course (EDU 7101-8): Prepare an Annotated Bibliography. It is written in APA format, has been graded by an instructor (A), and includes references. Most higher-education assignments are submitted to turnitin, so remember to paraphrase. Let us begin.
This presentation will help you through the research process, including choosing a subject, concentrating on your topic, identifying keywords, searching for library materials, remote access, avoiding plagiarism, reviewing sources, and referencing sources.
Common source evaluation tools, such as PATS and CRAAP, help students assess sources of information based on considerations specific to the source itself, such as purpose, authority, timeliness/currency, scope/relevance, and accuracy. What these tools do not consider is the source’s appropriateness within different rhetorical situations. By teaching students to consider a source’s potential appropriateness within different rhetorical contexts (in an opinion paper vs. a research paper, or as a primary vs. a secondary source) we provide students a framework for more meaningful source evaluation and a means by which to articulate how, why, and when sources are used.
This is a lesson in Research 1- Basic Research and is good for a 1.5 hours classroom activity. It covers images that can motivate undergraduate students from class participation during the class activity.
InstructionsThis assignment has several warm-up activities and.docxLaticiaGrissomzz
Instructions
This assignment has several warm-up activities and one main task. Please ensure you have completed each warm-up activity before completing the main task. The main task requires you to search for, and then analyze research from the library on a topic of interest in social work. This can be a topic you have investigated during your previous coursework.
Warm-up Activity 1: Getting Acquainted with the NCU Library
NCU Library is committed to supporting the academic research needs of students, faculty, and staff. The Library does this by providing timely access to quality, scholarly, and appropriate information resources and library services, such as reference, information literacy instruction, and inter-library loan services. Students also have access to highly qualified and experienced Library staff.
Library services include:
Research Databases
- Access to A - Z databases list from the library’s home page containing thousands of journals, magazines, newspapers, e-Books, dissertations, financial data, and other information resources available in the Library.
Inter-library Loan Service
(ILL) - Students needing articles, and book chapters not in the Library collection can submit an inter-library loan request. Students can register for the ILL service by clicking the “Request Inter-library Loan Items” link on the Library homepage. Students will need to utilize local libraries for print-only materials.
Ask a Librarian
- Students can receive library assistance 24/7 via the “Ask a Librarian” service. Ask a Librarian allows patrons to search an ever-expanding knowledge bank of frequently asked Library questions and their responses, conveniently located at the bottom of the blue, left-side toolbar located on every Library Guide. NCU Students, faculty, and staff may also complete an
Ask a Librarian Form
. Questions are answered promptly during Library Staffed Hours.
Research Consultations
- The Library offers a research consultation service for students, faculty, and staff. This is an in-depth, personalized, one-on-one meeting with a reference librarian to discuss possible information resources and search strategies for class assignments, papers, presentations, Masters theses, and doctoral dissertations.
Library Workshops
- Library workshops provide in-depth information about using library resources and services. Recorded workshops are available from the Learn the Library page. Students are strongly encouraged to view a Library workshop before beginning coursework.
Warm-up Activity 2: Considering Information Literacy
Read the Northcentral University Library page called
Research Process
and review various links and tutorials to prepare for using the library.
As you go through the rest of this assignment, you will be asked to use the Northcentral University Library to locate books, articles, and other appropriate online resources about family therapy. For this purpose, it is necessary for you to identify a topic that you wo.
FINDS Research Model is a product of the Florida Department of Education, Library Media Services Office. This presentation was given (by Phenessa Jones while employed at the School District of Lee County) to show how language arts educators can integrate technology into their lesson plans.
The New Framework for Information Literacy for Higher EducationTrudi Jacobson
Presented during the Georgia Library Association's Carterette Series Webinar by Craig Gibson and Trudi Jacobson, Engaging with the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy, held online May 6 2015. Webinar recording can be found at https://vimeo.com/georgialibraryassociatio/review/127082500/ea51fb8469
Page 1 of 4 Controversial Issues in American Culture Rese.docxaryan532920
Page 1 of 4
Controversial Issues in American Culture Research Paper
Assignment:
Living in a diverse society, we are often trying to balance our personal experience and opinions agai nst a
backdrop of the large communal experience. What we think, feel, and believe can be in sharp contrast
with the people and the society around us. Thus, students need to learn how to research, structure, and
advance their opinions by providing evidence to support them. This assignment will help students
formulate their opinions on a controversial topic in an argumentative essay using evidence from primary
and secondary sources. Though nearly any topic will suffice for the purpose of this paper, all topics must
be open to dispute. Students will need to formulate their opinions on the topic but also concede and
refute the oppositional opinions through counte rarguments. We will use class time to discuss research
methods but the rest of your research will be your responsibility.
Decide On a Topic:
Deciding on a topic that is not too broad, nor too narrow will take some effort . In order to present a
convincing argument, consider the following:
1. Draw on the student’s personal experience. It is important to spend time and energy on a topic
that means something to you. Think about topics they may come up in your chosen career field,
in everyday life, or things that you think should be changed in society , but that there is no easy
answer or resolution.
2. Be sure to “resist binary thinking” (Greene and Lidinsky 88). Make sure that the topic chosen can
support several, if not many, different viewpoints.
3. Synthesize others’ views and find new ways to look at the issues.
4. When researching, read to “discover a writer’s frame” to see how his/her ideas and theories can
benefit your own, or if they can be used in counterarguments.
5. Decide whether the issue an issue of fact, value, or policy? Is it a combination of two or more?
Topics should present a position that has varying perspectives.
General Topics include:
Addiction/Alcohol/ Drugs
Bilingual Education
Birth Control
Body Image
Censorship
Eating Disorders
Ethnic Stereotypes
Family Values
Gay Rights
Gender Discrimination
Gun Control
Health
Homosexuality/
Sexual Orientation
Immigration
Interracial
Relationships
Legalized Gambling
Politics
Music/Art
Education
Religion
Role Models
Sexual Assaults
Sexual Relationships
Single Parents
Sports Industry
Stereotypes
Terrorism
Tobacco
Video Games
Violence
War
**For more topics, check out the folder in the Research Project folder
Students should come up with an issue-based question about their topic:
Think and try on different perspectives about the issue
Page 2 of 4
Discuss why the issue is important to the student, and then why this issue may be important to
other people.
Determine what is up for ...
By Cristie McClendon, Scott Greenberger, and Stacey BridgesTawnaDelatorrejs
By Cristie McClendon, Scott Greenberger, and Stacey Bridges
Reading Quantitative Research
Essential Questions
1. What types of research problems are suitable for quantitative research?
2. How does a researcher select a quantitative design?
3. What are the GCU core designs for quantitative research?
4. How does one select appropriate measures or instruments for quantitative research?
5. What sampling approaches are used in quantitative research?
6. What are the most common approaches used in quantitative data analysis?
Introduction
Quantitative research is frequently used in the social sciences because it is quick, relatively inexpensive, and
considered a valid method of inquiry by researchers and academicians. The goals of quantitative research are
to describe the attributes of a group of people, to measure differences between groups, to determine if a
relationship exists between variables, or to predict if one event or factor causes another.
Quantitative studies contain measurable and quanti�able data, a
statistically appropriate sample, use of statistical techniques, and
a structured data collection plan to ensure that the study can be
replicated. Additionally, quantitative studies require the use of
valid and reliable instruments, surveys, or databases to quantify
variables. The research method is deductive, very structured, and
in�exible as often the goal of the researcher is to generalize or
apply the results to other groups and populations besides those
participating in the study. Ultimately, quantitative research offers a systematic and structured process for
answering research questions (Balnaves & Caputi, 2001).
Critically Reading Quantitative Research
Doctoral learners must go through a process of learning how to critically read empirical research. While
reading is a familiar skill to learners, at the doctoral level, it takes on new depth as learners transition to the
mindset of a researcher. The required reading materials will be more dif�cult to read, take more time, and
require learners to improve their reading ef�ciency and critical-thinking skills. Having ample time built in for
reading is crucial to the success of a doctoral student. Reading is the foundation to a dissertation research
project. The �rst 2 years before a proposal is accepted will be spent reading peer-reviewed articles,
dissertations, books, and other scholarly sources that can potentially contribute to the dissertation project. At
the same time, the reading of these materials directly contributes to subject matter expertise of the learner
helping to make him or her an expert in the �eld of study. Unfortunately, there is not a speci�c number of
Schedule enough time to read
critically.
resources that a learner must read to transform into an expert. The reading process in a doctoral program is an
ongoing, self-directed, independent project that begins in the �rst course and does not end until the
dissertation is approved. Ev ...
Week3 assignment
Special Education Reform Essay
View Rubric
Due Date: Apr 13, 2016 23:59:59 Max Points: 100
Details:
Using the GCU Library, locate five scholarly articles on changes and/or reforms in special education during the past 100 years.
Review the Topic 3 Lecture for a description of what is considered a scholarly article.
In a 750-1,000-word essay, compare and contrast the three most significant positive and negative changes in special education. Discuss the changes/reforms you think still need to be made.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
EDU-535 Lecture 3
Learning How to Research
Introduction
In Topic 1, you learned about the importance of scholarship and a little about what it takes to transition from student to scholar. In this Topic, you will learn about the heart of scholarship: Research. Learning how to research is critical to your transition from student to scholar, because it is a significant component of how you master the knowledge in your field, which will in turn equip you to contribute to the improvement of practice in your field. Review the learning objectives for this Topic within the course syllabus and use the following lecture, which is about the role of research in scholarship, to accomplish them.
What Do We Mean by Research?
You may have used the term
research
in many different scenarios and settings. You may have had to research locations of companies offering a particular service you needed, or maybe you had to research different schools before deciding to enroll at GCU. The term research is often used loosely in informal settings to mean, as illustrated in the previous examples,
the search for information
−but what does research mean in an academic setting? What does research mean in graduate study? What does research mean to the aspiring scholar wishing to improve the field in which they work?
According to
The Free Dictionary
, researchis defined as "scholarly or scientific investigation or inquiry." A Google search defines
research
as "the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions." The first definition uses the term
scholarly,
which, as you learned in Topic 1, refers to a "learned person" who more than likely has mastered a particular discipline. The second definition mentions "the study of materials and sources." This could include people, theories, concepts, studies, and a variety of other sources. Both definitions mention "systematic or scientific investigation," which means an orderly and logical process that is carried out in the act of research. Analyzing both definitions sho.
The Librarian Knows More than Google--and Your MomBrian Collier
What information skills are 90% of high school graduates missing (based on Harvard research publications, MacArthur Foundation reports, and university faculty anecdotes)? What can we do to make sure our graduates are the college freshmen who know what they're doing and not the ones calling home to ask their Moms? Librarians and classroom teachers are both welcome to this discussion.
Welcome to TechSoup New Member Orientation and Q&A (May 2024).pdfTechSoup
In this webinar you will learn how your organization can access TechSoup's wide variety of product discount and donation programs. From hardware to software, we'll give you a tour of the tools available to help your nonprofit with productivity, collaboration, financial management, donor tracking, security, and more.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
This is a presentation by Dada Robert in a Your Skill Boost masterclass organised by the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) on Saturday, the 25th and Sunday, the 26th of May 2024.
He discussed the concept of quality improvement, emphasizing its applicability to various aspects of life, including personal, project, and program improvements. He defined quality as doing the right thing at the right time in the right way to achieve the best possible results and discussed the concept of the "gap" between what we know and what we do, and how this gap represents the areas we need to improve. He explained the scientific approach to quality improvement, which involves systematic performance analysis, testing and learning, and implementing change ideas. He also highlighted the importance of client focus and a team approach to quality improvement.
The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
Instructions for Submissions thorugh G- Classroom.pptxJheel Barad
This presentation provides a briefing on how to upload submissions and documents in Google Classroom. It was prepared as part of an orientation for new Sainik School in-service teacher trainees. As a training officer, my goal is to ensure that you are comfortable and proficient with this essential tool for managing assignments and fostering student engagement.
We all have good and bad thoughts from time to time and situation to situation. We are bombarded daily with spiraling thoughts(both negative and positive) creating all-consuming feel , making us difficult to manage with associated suffering. Good thoughts are like our Mob Signal (Positive thought) amidst noise(negative thought) in the atmosphere. Negative thoughts like noise outweigh positive thoughts. These thoughts often create unwanted confusion, trouble, stress and frustration in our mind as well as chaos in our physical world. Negative thoughts are also known as “distorted thinking”.
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
1. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
Do your students whine like Fran Drescher when you assign a research paper? (Maybe you
whine when you grade them?) There are interesting alternatives to teaching and assessing
research skills that don't involve a traditional research paper. This presentation will be especially
helpful to Librarians, English and Social Studies teachers, but anyone who deals with student
research might find this information useful.
ALTERNATIVES TO THE RESEARCH PAPER
What is 'information literacy'?
Information literacy is the set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information;
those competencies that enable an individual to:
Recognize when information is required
Determine the extent of information needed
Access the information effectively and efficiently
Evaluate information and its sources critically
Incorporate selected information into one's knowledge base
Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose
Understand the issues surrounding the use of information, and use it ethically and legally
Faculty can provide opportunities to practice these skills, and while the traditional research
paper is an excellent medium, not every instructor assigns them, and not every student
appreciates writing them.
Good alternatives to a full paper scaffold the development of writing abilities, provide an
opportunity for students to use what they already know, accustom students to different modes of
communication, allow students to create work for a larger audience than a single reader, and
lighten your grading load.
Successful assignments:
are relevant to the course, build on previous work and provide foundation for future work
encourage students to think about the type of information they need
include retrieval of information using tools in ways that will be helpful in other contexts
ask students to look at information critically--evaluate it, identify the most crucial pieces
of information available, compare it with other information, and synthesize information
from different sources
can realistically be completed by students
Tips for Successful Alternative Assignments & Activities
work with a librarian to design the assignment
be clear about what problems, skills, or knowledge are you working to address
don’t assume your students already have the knowledge to complete their assignment
devote class time to tasks that will help students complete the assignment
give the students specific questions to help them structure their work
set very clear expectations for the work; scope of assignment, presentation time allowed,
kinds of research materials that will be acceptable, evaluation criteria, etc.
2. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
SAMPLE ASSIGNMENT SUGGESTIONS
THE RESEARCH PROCESS
Conduct an Ignorance Audit
Given a contemporary issue, discuss in groups or as a class what you don’t know or you might
misunderstand about the topic.
Underlines the importance of discovering gaps in personal knowledge.
Draw a Map
Using Venn diagrams and mind-maps, create a visual thesaurus for a topic and one or two
subtopics within it.
Encourages students to organize information about a topic before researching even begins.
Research Log
Learn everything you can about specific topic connected to the course. Keep a detailed log of
your research process addressing methodology, sources consulted, words used in searches,
frustrations encountered, successful searches, good and bad resources discovered, etc.
Allows students to focus specifically on the search process.
Everything but the Paper
Conduct the research for a term paper. Do everything except write it. At various stages,
students submit: 1) a clearly defined topic, 2) an annotated bibliography of useful sources, 3) an
outline of paper, 4) a thesis statement, 5) an opening paragraph and summary.
Focuses on stages of research and the parts of a paper, rather than on the writing of it.
One Wish
Describe a book or article you wish you had found on your research topic. Make up a title and
create a table-of-contents listing for this imaginary item.
Assists students in identifying the basic information needed for a given project. Helps students
learn to give the most pertinent information in a brief format.
SCHOLARLY VS. POPULAR RESOURCES
Vet the News
Find an article in a newspaper or popular magazine that references an original research study
(look for a phrase like, “according to a study by”), then locate the original research. Compare the
authorship, content, format, and the conclusions of the two articles.
Variation: locate a newspaper or popular magazine article about a class topic, then find a
scholarly article on the same subject. Compare the two articles for content, style, bias,
audience, etc.
3. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
Highlights the distinctions between popular and scholarly sources. Helps students understand
differences in audience and in authority of sources. Demonstrates the characteristics of various
types of sources and develops evaluative skills.
Can You Believe It?
Find an article in a non-credible publication such as The National Enquirer. Then research the
topic of the article in an attempt to support or refute the claims made in the article. Search
online databases, the library catalog, and/or the Internet. Document your research--both what
you were able to find and what you were unable to find. Indicate what evidence you uncovered,
and from what source. Finally, give an overall assessment of the article’s credibility.
Students learn to critically analyze claims and to question the credibility of sources. Searching
through multiple research tools helps understand differences in content, and search strategies
for using these different tools.
PRIMARY VS. SECONDARYSOURCES
What’s the Difference?
Consult primary and secondary sources on the same topic, and note the similarities and
differences in the sources’ content, purpose, audience, and treatment of the topic. Summarize
the major connections between the primary and secondary sources, and note major distinctions
between them. Address what information the primary source provides, and how this compares
with that given in the secondary source.
Teaches differentiation between primary/secondary sources, and when and why to use each.
Newspaper Detective
Examine an event closely by reading newspaper articles written at the time. Find other articles
about the people who were involved to learn what happened to them after the event.
Allows students to judge the impact of an event during the time it happened.
How Things Change
Compare and contrast an economic or social condition from XX years ago with the current
situation of that condition. Use first-hand reports, statistics, and articles to describe each era
and to support your response.
Develops a student’s ability to use a variety of resources and to compare and critically evaluate
the findings.
BIBLIOGRAPHIES AND CITATIONS
Compile an Anthology
Find resources (books, articles, web sites, interviews, etc.) focused on your topic that could be
used as a class anthology. Include an introduction that briefly explains the subject. List the
resources in a formatted bibliography with descriptive annotations for each source that explain
why it is included.
4. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
Encourages critical reading and evaluation. Requires that students identify similarities and
differences between articles, as well as relate various writings to a common theme. Offers an
opportunity to practice proper bibliographic formatting.
Collection Building
Build a book collection on a particular topic for a fictional library with a budget of $X.00. Use
reviews to help select your books. Provide an annotated bibliography with justification,
availability, and costs.
Students demonstrate the ability to make critical judgments about the appropriateness,
accuracy, and authoritativeness of the information resources they have found and select the
most appropriate for their topic.
Read the References
Read two or three references cited in a Wikipedia or scholarly article. Explain how each is
related to the article, why it was appropriate to cite references, and what purposes the citations
serve.
Assists students in understanding the use of information resources in one’s writing, as well as
the relationships between ideas presented in different sources. Shows when it is appropriate to
recognize the contributions of previous authors in the development of new work.
DATABASE & INTERNET SEARCHING
Best and Worst of the Web
Using a search engine, locate and evaluate the “best” and the “worst” web sites you can find on
a topic. Describe the criteria you used to determine best and worst, and recommend
improvements for the worst site.
Students practice using search engines to locate web sites and develop criteria for judging the
pertinence and reliability of the information found.
Internet vs Database…Fight!
For each option, provide a precise statement of your search topic and an outline of your search
strategy for retrieving information relevant to the topic.
A: Run the search on two different search engines. Compare the results from the two searches--
was one search engine better than the other? why and how?
Emphasizes the mechanics of searching and the differences between search engines.
B: Run the search using one search engine and one database. Compare the findings. Was
one source better than the other? (To complete this assignment, students may need instruction
in the basic concepts of database searching, such as selecting effective search terms and using
different search options.)
Demonstrates the differences between database and Internet searches, particularly with respect
to content and search strategy.
5. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
C: Explore your topic through two research tools (such as the library catalog and a journal
database). Compare and contrast the resources you find, noting differences in purpose,
subjects covered, types of resources indexed, and availability of full text.
Familiarizes students with databases, the library catalog, the differences between and
similarities in different research tools, and determining effective search strategies when using
them.
CRITICAL READING
Analyze the Argument
Read an editorial. Find facts which either support or refute the views it expresses. Using the
research you compiled, present your own assessment of the editorial. Explain the reasoning
behind your evaluation, and cite the sources that inform your views.
Encourages critical reading and develops research skills. Provides practice in applying
principles of citation style.
Review the Reviews
Read three or four reviews of a book (or a product). Compare and comment on the viewpoints,
biases, or assumptions that the reviewers exhibit.
Encourages students to think critically about an author’s point of view, as well as others’
responses to an author’s perspectives. Provides insight into the importance of critical reception
and dialogue.
Coverage of Controversy
Examine the treatment of a controversial issue or event in several sources. Consult newspaper
articles, editorials, magazines, websites, and scholarly journals from different disciplines.
Compare and comment on each resource’s use of documentation, viewpoint, audience,
objectivity, and quality of argument.
Emphasizes that there are multiple perspectives on any issue or event, and that various
disciplines approach a common topic from both similar and differing vantages.
Write Your Own Article
Research a particular event (political, social, cultural, etc.), then write a newspaper article that
describes the event based on your research.
Variation: it’s even more interesting if several people research the same event in different
sources and compare the resulting articles.
Variation: compose a letter to the editor using statistics & information to support your stance on
an issue. Trade letters with other students and critique each other’s arguments.
Teaches students to develop and support an argument that is convincing to a particular
audience. Develops skills in researching, critical reading for essential information, and
summarizing.
6. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
Forecasting in Retrospect
What did articles written during a given time period predict about the future of a cultural practice
or a phenomenon (computers, fashion, vehicles, educational techniques, etc.). Did the
forecasts come true or not? Why? Share your findings in class discussion.
Demonstrates the importance of historical perspectives, including how writing and research are
situated within given historical and sociocultural circumstances.
APPLYING CRITICAL THINKING
These assignments encourage students to exercise all of their information skills and apply them
to a practical and/or creative purpose.
Historical Video Assessment
Compare and contrast the film version of an event to the actual event in history. Discuss plot,
main characters, settings, events, etc., but also facts vs. interpretation. Movie ideas include
Amistad, Gettysburg, Glory, Last of the Mohicans, The Crossing, The Patriot, Andersonville,
1776, Saving Private Ryan, Patton, Paths of Glory, English Patient, Pearl Harbor.
Students learn to assess the accuracy of popular media in relation to history and become more
conscious consumers of culture.
News Interview
Prepare to conduct a news interview with an important person (connected to the coursework)--
either to be carried out in reality or hypothetically--and generate questions based on the
person’s life and work that will help you understand this person’s significance and how events
during the person’s life impacted his or her decisions.
Encourages gathering information from multiple sources to learn about people, and shows the
importance of advance preparation before an interview.
Debate It!
Team up in groups of three to five and argue the pros and cons of a current or historical issue.
Support your opinions with analyses and data from the field, and back your assertions with
scholarly articles and statistics. Be prepared to attack your opponents’ arguments as well as
defend your own. Information can be gathered from anywhere (popular press, scholarly articles,
organizations, personal interviews, and internet) but resources must be documented in a
bibliography.
Challenges students to find relevant sources of information, synthesize it into a cogent
argument, prepare to defend that argument by anticipating opposing points of view, and justify
their resource selections.
Outbreak!
Each student is “diagnosed” with a disease and given a partner that they must “treat”.
Investigate both the diagnosis and the prescribed treatment, then treat your patient in class,
explaining the condition, its symptoms, its prognosis, the effectiveness of the prescribed
treatment, side effects, and a comparison of the relative effectiveness of alternate treatments.
Dramaturge
7. 2015 GISA Conference Brian Collier
Marist School
Write the program notes for a play, recital, concert, or recording. Include a promotional blurb for
the work, commentary on significant previous performances, a history/biography of the
performers, and connections to other dramatic, musical or literary works.
Mini-Conference
Assemble a conference on a broad subject that includes presentations focusing on narrower
aspects of the subject. The class will create a program with abstracts, conduct panels organized
by topic areas to discuss the subjects. Make brief oral presentations. Close with a question and
answer period.
Curate an Exhibit
Research objects in a given collection, culture or time period. Recreate objects for a real exhibit,
or gather virtual objects for an online exhibit. Decide what to display based on the exhibit’s
goals. Create accompanying “wall text” to give viewers information that expands on their
understanding of the objects.
Redesign the Course
Propose a new topic for the course. Justify inclusion of the topic, suggest readings, and relate
the new topic to the rest of the course.