After writing my last post about my research process, I started thinking about my past research projects specifically the research project I completed last quarter. I took a Child Studies course called Information Literacy which teaches us the best ways to conduct research and write a well-round research paper. In this course, we choose a topic and spent the entire quarter researching that topic and finishing with creating a website about our topic.
Source: tenor.co
I choose to write about Common Core and whether or not teachers are being properly supported after the transition. We began by writing why we wanted to research a certain topic and we were encouraged to think broadly by also have a more narrowed research question in mind. Once we picked a topic, we met with a librarian, so we could begin to find credible sources in the library databases. Following my meeting with the librarian, I conducted my own research using the library databases and advanced Google searches. Every time I found an important or useful article, I would save it using Zotero which is an application that helps you organize your articles. Once we had enough information, we were instructed to annotate our articles which really helped when it came to finding quotes and evidence. Next, we practiced synthesizing which is when we put multiple articles or authors into conversation with one another. We practiced by using our own articles which helped us prepare for when we actually wrote our paper. Next, we turn in a rough draft, so we could get feedback from our teacher. One huge part of the class was peer review. In fact, we have peer review teams specifically for our revision process. We discussed many revision tips; many of which I spoke about in my last blog post. My revision process went on for 2 weeks and I probably could have continued on, but my essay was due. When I did turn in my essay and website, I was very proud of my work. If you would like to see all of my hard work and my website on Common Core Teacher’s Resources, you can visit it here.
I really liked how we took small steps throughout the entire process. This was especially helpful since it was the first time I had to write a large research paper. I think this process and class will help me in future research projects including the research projects I have to do for my English class that this blog is for.
Well its goodbye for now…
Source: Disney
But I promise there is always tomorrow.