Using Credible Sources to Research

ENL Proficiency Level | ENL Program | Standards | Technology

Appropriate for all English Proficiency Levels | Integrated ENL/ELA | 5R6, 5R7, 5R9 | Jamboard, Padlet, Google Slides

Content

I can evaluate an article to decipher if it is a credible source while finding reasons for and against my topic.

Procedure

Unit Overview:

In Bend I of Unit 3 Argument and Advocacy of Reader’s Workshop, students choose from a list of debatable topics/questions. They get assigned a group according to their topic/debatable question. Students research reasons for and against their topic from resources that are provided to them in a Padlet (provided by Reader’s Workshop). At the end of the bend, students get assigned roles (for and against) and have a debate.

In Bend 2, students work in groups to make their own debatable questions/topics. Students work collaboratively to find credible articles to research both sides of the argument and add their findings in a Jamboard. At the end of the bend, students present their Jamboard to the class. According to how much evidence they find, they should choose their stance.

In Bend 3, students choose their own topic and research independently. Since students learned how to research both sides of an argument using credible sources while working with peers, they should be able to complete this part independently. At the end of the bend (and unit) students will present their research in a Google Slides presentation to the class.

*This lesson was part of bend 2, where students learned about credible sources and worked cooperatively to add their research about both sides of an argument to a Jamboard.*

To scaffold for beginner/emerging ELLs, teachers can find articles and videos with simplified English and many visuals. They can also encourage students to research in their native language before adding to the Jamboard in English. Teachers can also give sentence starters for the sticky note Jamboards or accept phrases.

This lesson incorporates all four domains of language learning: Students speak and listen while working with their classmates. They listen to videos as well as student conversations. They write on the sticky note Jamboards and read the articles they use to research. In the CommonSense activity about finding credible sources, students read articles, use the strategies discussed (read closely, analyze the source, and look for corroboration) in pairs and write and explain whether the source is credible, questionable or fake news.