I-Search Method is the model that will be used for this information inquiry. The model was first introduced in 1988 by Ken Macrorie in his book called The I-Search Paper as way to approach research papers differently. It was then modified in the 1990's by Marilyn Joyce and Julie Tallman to be used in their research process.

There are four steps to the I-Search Method:

1. Selecting a topic

• What areas can be explored with this play?
• What kind of resources are available?

2. Finding information

• Why did the playwright write this play?
• Is there a story that ties into the time period?
• How did culture shape the playwright?
• What events/lifestyles effected character motives?
• Start looking up answers in resources

3. Using information

• Gather information and analyzing what you have.
• Does it give you a better insight into the play?
• How can it help you write your script?

4. Developing a final product

• Write and film script with team members.
• Final products will be shared with the class.

There are many pros that can be drawn from the I-Search model such as providing an organized approach to research and helping students develop a deeper understanding of their topic. I believe that the more students understand the topic, the more they enjoy it and create a meaningful project. I also believe, that it is a method that can be used from the very basic research to something on a graduate course level. By teaching students this method, it is something that they can continue to use in the future to build stronger research projects.

There are few cons that I can see to using this method for this lesson. One that sticks out the most is that it does not mesh completely with a guided inquiry. Callison states that through the I-Search method the topic should choose the student (63). Students really don't really have a choice in the topic that they are to do. They have some freedom in the questions to ask and what way to take the research, but the topic will be tied to their play. I also think the method focuses a lot on the actual research, but does not integrate reflection much into the process. Some may say that reflection should come out in sharing of the final product, but I also believe there should be time after everything is said and done for students to reflect back on the entire process. This gives them a chance to really see how the model may/may not have helped them.

While this lesson incorporates all steps at least a little, it will mainly be focusing on creating a final product. Students will be shown how to gather and use information, but will spend most of the six weeks on organizing information and creating and filming a script. Most of the lesson and materials that teacher and students will use are aimed at skills that will help students create a good script. The main objective of the lesson is the creative process of getting to that end product. While research that students do will be helpful, ultimately it is only the final product of the script/film that will be graded.

There are many other models the I-Search can relate to, but I think the final I-Seach step is much like the Weaving, Wrapping and Waving stages of Dr. Lamb's 8 Ws. In these steps, students work on organizing, creating, and sharing their final project.  These steps, in both models, are all about using what information the students have gathered and turning it into something meaningful that they can share with others.