Research Help

The research process naturally compels students to read, think, and write critically.  As Deborah Stanley states in Practical Steps to the Research Process for High School, "It is when information changes form that learning occurs."  The research process requires that information derived from credible sources change and transform when students classify, manage, and analyze data.  The natural flow of that process and the clear steps from beginning to end challenge students to a higher level of thinking.  

First, students must identify information by understanding the research task to specify and clarify their information needs.  Students learn to manage the onslaught of abundant information by understanding how to organize their writing.  Second, students also learn to think critically in accessing sources that are thoughtfully evaluated as credible.  Furthermore, students must read and think critically when engaging with text.  Students evaluate information by selecting relevant information that relates, connects, and supports their research task and subtopics.  Students naturally then move to the next level of creating information.  Students create information by developing a thesis that supports their research.  In addition, students must analyze selected pieces of evidence and explain their relevance to their thesis.  Last, students must cite their sources by providing in-text citations and a works cited page, demonstrating the importance of giving credit to authoritative sources. 

 The research process steps require the management and synthesis of information at a level full of critical thinking in reading and writing.  My goal as a Teacher Librarian is that the classes who visit the library throughout the school year can learn to research at a level that builds and presents knowledge, and also deepen lifelong information literacy skills!