We did a lot of researching this quarter…
and along with that came some reading about researching.
For example: Bizup’s article on B.E.A.M.and Klien’s article on hunting vs. gathering mode of research
Here are the two blog posts I wrote about the articles:
B.E.A.M. and hunting/gathering
Source: Megapixel.com
But did reading these articles help? Did I learn how to research? Yes, I would say I learned at least a little something about researching that I did not know before.
In fact, I used my researching skills in other classes already. For example, in my Cultures and Ideas II two course I had to write a researched essay. As I was attempting to find sources for that essay I found myself switching from hunting to gathering mode and back again. I also found myself identifying sources as background or exhibit sources as I found them. This was a new feeling for me because usually my researching does not have any vocabulary attached to it.
With the articles that explained BEAM and hunting/gathering I was able to put words to what I was doing as a researched and wrote.
Now that I look back on it, the most valuable skill going forward will probably be using Boolean phrases to search databases. I had little knowledge of databases before my first-year at SCU and now I am confident in my ability to peruse them.
In addition, during the class as a whole I learned some great writing strategies which I will undoubtedly use consciously and unconsciously in the future.
Keep your eyes peeled for that last post! Source: Flickr
Note: You may have noticed this blog is a reflection and does not bring up a new topic. Well, that is because the year is concluding and that means this course is concluding as well. I have one more blog post and then I will be done with any assignments for this blog. Stay tuned for that one because it will be a good one.