Research Guide
Where to begin?
Let's use our databases to find information! Go to the FWISD Online Resources page at https://sites.google.com/site/fwisdonlinelibrary/home
We'll utilize a tried & true method called the Big 6 to guide our research. Don't worry too much about not understanding the terminology, and in some cases, you may not go through all the steps in detail. Start with Step 1.
What to do?
Step 1: Task Definition
Define the information problem: First and foremost, you need to make sure you understand what the problem or question is that you're being asked? Did you choose your own topic? Can you explain what it is you're supposed to do in your own words?
Identify information needed: Now that you understand the task, create or find the guiding questions that will drive your research. Come up with 1-5 questions to narrow your focus as you find & read information.
Step 2: Information Seeking Strategies
Determine all possible sources: Where will you look to find information? Are you required to use certain kinds of resources, like books, articles, interviews, podcasts, or websites?
Select the best sources: Use the guide below to understand what databases are available and what they each offer.
Step 3: Location and Access
Locate sources (intellectually and physically): Where will you go to get the information you need? For example: your school library, your local library, an adult, your school-issued laptop. It all depends on the type of information you need to get.
Find information within sources: Do you understand how to use the information sources needed? (Database, newspaper, Internet site, person, etc.)
Possible sources:
FWISD Online Resources (databases) https://sites.google.com/site/fwisdonlinelibrary/
Step 4: Use of Information
Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch): Now that you have your information resources, use them! Read the articles, listen to the audiobooks, watch the videos, listen while asking questions in an interview, hold the artifacts, etc.
Extract relevant information: Take notes! Use the guiding questions you created in Step 1 to identify relevant information. Don't write things down word-for-word! Capture key words and phrases, make an outline or a list of bullet points.
Step 5: Synthesis
Organize from multiple sources: Gather all your notes. Organize them according to your guiding questions or outline you created; whatever plan you created for organizing your final product. Think about how to best present the information you've gathered based on your final product. Is it a speech, a poster, a research paper, or a diorama? Different products present information in different ways.
Present the information: Share your final product with the world!
Evaluation
Judge the product (effectiveness): Hopefully you're proud of your final product. Based on the feedback you've received and your own reflection, how well did you do? Do you feel like you did your best? Was the information recevied as you intended?
Judge the process (efficiency): After reflecting on the final product, is there something you now realize you could have done differently? Consider things such as the information sources you used, the notes you took, the time you spent, and the way you compiled the information. What could you do differently next time that you think would be better? What worked well this time that you want to remember to do next time?
Information about the Big 6 can be found at https://thebig6.org/