Where do you start?
So you have been assigned a research project? Not sure where to start?
First, it would be great to understand the Research Process. The Big 6 is an awesome way to understand the process. Check out this video about the Big 6.
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Task Definition.
Information seeking strategies
location and access
Use of information
Synthesis
evaluation
Define the information problem
Identify information needed
Source: Vieira, D. 2015. Jan, 29. Big 6 Research Model. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acynozl1LbQ
High School students:
Try the A+ Writing and Research website for complete step-by-step guide to the writing process.
Grades 7-12
Another great resource for both teachers an students is Purdue OWL - get help a variety of types of writings, thesis statements and styles and language.
High School students:
Try these Research Organizers to get yourself started with the writing process and to help you stay organized.
(one page focused): Finds Research Organizer OR
(extended version): Finds Research Organizer
Or try this Data Collection Chart to help you get and stay organized through the research process.
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Determine all possible sources
Select the best sources
Locate source
Find information within sources
Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)
Extract relevant information
Organize from multiple sources
Present the information
Judge the product (effectiveness)
Judge the process (efficiency)
Word of advice!!!
Take Notes with a Purpose!
Follow these steps to help writing your next research paper or essay much easier!
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Once Big 6 steps have been followed, it is time to take notes.
The note-taking stage is the most important step in writing a research paper; it is even more important than the actual writing of the paper.
Why? Because having useful, organized notes makes writing your paper an automatic process. The more time you spend making your notes useful an organized, the less thought has to go into turning them into a well-written paper.
However, it is easy to get frustrated with the note-taking step, and sometimes students even skip it all together.
Don't do this!! Use the Note Taking Cards to the here to help. You can stop by the library to get these too.
Click here to get the directions.
Perfect for Middle School Note-Taking!
