Student Inquiry in the Research Process
Phase 4: Investigation
Instructor Guide
“Sometimes an answer itself becomes the topic for consideration.”
Virginia Rankin, author The Thoughtful Researcher, 1999
Goal:
Students will use inquiry methods to attempt to find answers to their researchable questions.
Objectives:
- Students will use sources for try and find answers to their inquiry questions.
- Students with expertise for a specific task will assist other students.
- Students will develop a product to share.
- Students will think about what others are learning.
Suggested Readings (updated versions of these readings can now be found in the Blue Book (see ordering information at the bottom of this page) by Dr. Callison):
· Callison, Daniel. “Key Words in Instruction: Analysis,” School Library Media Activities Monthly, Volume XV, Number 8 (April 1999): 37-39.
· Small, Ruth V. and Marilyn P. Arnone. “Web Site Quality: Do Students Know It When They See It?,” School Library Media Activities Monthly, Volume XV, Number 6 (February 1999): 25-26, 30.
Teacher will:
- Create an overhead of selected Product Options for project conclusion (based on collaboration with Media Specialist).
Teacher and Library Media Specialist together will:
- Develop a list of Product Options that reach all learning styles and ability levels. Product will include verbal, written, and visual components. Collaborate with students that need to find contacts or resources in the community.
- Will model inquiry behavior.
- Will act as coach.
- Will remain vigilant and facilitate impromptu help sessions and tutoring for those in need.
- Arrange after-school and/or before-school help/research sessions in the Media Center.
- Review student’s Research Journal and provide feedback in them as well as consultation follow-ups as necessary.
- Regularly check student’s notes and progress and take action as necessary for off-track individuals, groups, or whole classes.
- Conference with students needing guidance.
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Remediate instruction with whole class or small groups as need arises based on student's Daily Reflections.
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Elementary Resources, Secondary Resources, Big6™ Compatible Resources, and Activities to Meet Objectives are available by going to the Educator Resources Page. |
References:
- Duncan, Donna and Laura Lockhart. I-Search, You Search, We All Learn to Research. New York: Neal-Schuman, 2000.
- Joyce, Marilyn Z. and Julie I. Tallman. Making the Writing and Research Connection with the I-Search Process. New York: Neal-Schuman, 1997.
- Langhorne, Mary Jo, ed. Developing an Information Literacy Program K-12. New York: Neal-Schuman, 1998.
- Lincoln Public Schools Guide to Integrated Information Literacy Skills. Lincoln, Nebraska: Lincoln Public Schools.
- MLA Citation Examples written by HCC Library. Honolulu Community College Library. June 10, 2001 <http://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/education/hcc/library/mlahcc.html>.
- Rankin, Virginia. The Thoughtful Researcher: Teaching the Research Process to Middle School Students. Englewood, CO: Libraries Unlimited, 1999.
- Stanley, Deborah B. Practical Steps to the Research Process for Middle School. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, 2000.
- Stripling, Barbara K. and Judy M. Pitts. Brainstorms and Blueprints: Teaching Library Research as a Thinking Process. Englewood, Colorado: Libraries Unlimited, 1988.
