This document provides guidance on the preparation and planning (P) step of the PLUS model for conducting research. It emphasizes brainstorming potential topics and questions to research, either independently or with peers. Key aspects of preparation include identifying a central idea or question, considering what is already known on the topic, and using tools like concept maps to visualize ideas. Developing good questions that require analysis or evaluation, rather than just yes/no answers, is important. These questions and identified keywords can then help guide the next step of locating research materials.

1. PLUSP – Preparation and Planning

2. What is the central idea?What is the big question?What do I hope to find out at the end of it?What do I know already? The more you know, the better questions you will ask.

3. BrainstormingCan I draw a picture or a concept map of my topic, and what I want to know?Have I brainstormed the topic with my peers, or on my own?What questions do I need to ask?What are my key words?

4. ExhibitionWorking independently – Have your own central ideaNeed to work out your lines of inquiry - your questions

5. BrainstormingPaper and pencilBubbl.usWebspiration

6. Alone or with the groupWrite down all your ideasNo judgement – all ideas are goodSome that seem the most way out may yield the best questions

7. PYP ExhibitionNeed to be looking at all the elements of the PYP – Concepts Skills Attitudes ActionLearner Profile Themes

8. Brainstorm!Then from the brainstorming pose good questions.WebspirationPreparation and planningBalance

9. What are good questions?Questions that you cannot answer with yes, no, or a simple fact.Questions that lead to other questionsQuestions that make you think, analyze, evaluate, synthesize

10. Key wordsFrom your questions, you can draw key words – words that will help you to search on a search engine, in an index, in an encyclopedia, when you are skimming or scanning to see if that information is useful for you.

11. What research do I need to do?Your brainstorming, questioning and key words will have helped you to find what you need to research – now you move on to the L of PLUS Locate