Think of research as a ‘river’....
1. DECIDING (the topic) What is it I am looking for? What is my purpose? What are the key words / ideas for the task? Brainstorm ideas Create a concept map* Use a dictionary / encyclopaedia (reference section) Create a KWL (know / want to know / learnt) chartKWL
2. FINDING (where can I find the information I need?) What do I already know? What do I need to find out? What sort of information do I need? What sources do I need? e.g. WWW, Books, Interviews, etc.
3. USING (what information do I need to use?) How credible is the information I have found? E.g. WEB 2.0 Tools, (WIKIS*, Blogs, etc.)WIKIS Q: What is the most common used WIKI? IS IT A RELIABLE SOURCE?? Why / Why Not?* How relevant is the information I have found? What information can I leave out? How will I record the information I need?
4. RECORDING (how do I put my information together?) Review the purpose of the task Note taking*– what is it? / summarising info Note taking Combine the information into larger units of information Combine the units of information into a structure Avoid PLAGIARISM*!! – what is it?PLAGIARISM
5. PRESENTING (how can I present this information?) Powerpoint / slide Brochure ?*
6. EVALUATING (yourself / topic) How did I go? Can I make any improvements for the future??? What worked well? What didn’t work well? Create a PMI (plus / minus / interesting) chartPMI Complete a self- reflection sheetself- reflection
Don’t forget Site your sources!!! Create a BIBLIOGRAPHY Source 1?* Source 2?* And finally...Have Fun!!