Criterion A: Investigating

Investigating:

"to observe or study by close examination and systematic inquiry" (Merriam - Webster Dictionary)
Investigating includes your interest, skills and talents, and the social analysis of the issue being addressed. You gather information through research: media, interviews with experts, surveys of varied populations, and direct observations and personal experiences.

You should be able to...

i. Define a goal to address a need within a community, based on personal interests

ii. Identify prior learning and subject-specific knowledge relevant to the project

iii. Demonstrate research skills

i. Defining a Goal to Address a Need within a Community, Based on Personal Interest

Personal Inventory:
Relate to your personal interests, skills and talents, (as well as areas for growth) to decide what you want as a goal.

Make it interesting for yourself!

Then, you will be more likely to be interested in completing it.

Identifying an issue:
Identifying a community need is important as we engage with service.

⚠️ A note of caution!

If we only look at needs, we are adopting a deficit approach to service. A deficit approach has us only considering "what is wrong" in the community.

An asset-based approach to service considers what already exists in the community that is beneficial and assisting this community to thrive. By finding assets before looking for needs, there is a likelihood of establishing partnerships that build on what is going well.

ii. Identify Prior Learning and Subject - Specific Knowledge Relevant to the Project

What have you learned from other subjects that will help you carry out this project?
How will these prior learnings help you carry out this project?
Did any class units teach concepts useful for achieving your project goals?

iii. Demonstrate Research Skills

Write your Before, During and After reflections for a specific Research Skill!

Refer to the Alison Yang's Smörgåsbord for strategies and more information.

MISO Method:

Media – Internet, television, newspapers, films, maps, and more

Interview – Asking an expert

Survey – Using set questions with people who have knowledge on a topic or for general knowledge or opinions

Observation – Experiments, and Experience – using our surroundings or memories of being somewhere, or creating an experiment or simulation