1. The Research Wave Original copy from Lee FitzGerald, Loreto Kirribilli,. Adapted by Seacliff COS TL group, November 2011.

2. The Research Wave  When you start a research task, you are at the beginning of a journey.  This is a journey you will repeat many times in your life at school and work.  It’s not a simple journey and we can liken it to surfing waves at the beach, as you paddle out to sea, manage the dumpers and catching a wave in to shore.

3. The Research Wave: Initiation  Research can be likened to the progress of a wave. In its beginning, a wave is a gentle ripple. It’s flow is weak.  In the Initiation stage of a research assignment, you may feel uncertain, a bit lost, unsure of the path you might take. http://www.flickr.com/photos/waltstoneburner/2853028783 /

4. The Research Wave: Selection  This is the peaceful and happy part of the ocean.  You browse some shallows and get surface information on a few topics to help you choose the one you want.  Use preliminary searching – broad not deep.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/forgotever/3529796027/sizes/m/in/ph otostream/

5. The Research Wave: Exploration  As you swim further into the ocean, the swell of the waves increases.  You’ve chosen your area of interest, but as you search for information, you find there’s lots of it!  Use Exploratory searching – Wide not deep!  You are trying to establish the scope of the topic.  http://www.flickr.com/photos/veganfeast/3480631677/sizes/m/in/ph otostream/

6. The Research Wave: Exploration  You may even be dumped by a big wave, tumbled over, unsure of what lies beneath it –  THE DIP!  At this stage of the research process it is completely normal to get ‘dumped’ and fall into the dip – to feel confused and overwhelmed!  This is where you should definitely ask your teacher librarian and teacher for help!  http://media.apnonline.com.au/img/media/images/2011/02/06/SCN_07-02- 2011_EGN_04_196791k_fct360x219x56_t325.jpg

7. The Research Wave: Formulation  It is only after you have researched widely, been dumped and swum to the surface that you feel strong and confident.  In the process, you see the wave you want to catch and begin to paddle. You are working through the process of formulating your enquiry (focus) question and supporting (contributing) questions.  After this, you begin to feel you can catch the wave. You feel confident and focused.  http://www.firstwavesurfing.com.au/welcome/page8.php

8. The Research Wave: Collection  You have caught your wave and are in control.  You are now in charge of the information.  You are sorting it, analysing it, shaping it to answer your question.  Use and adjust your notetaking forms  Keep bibliographic (referencing) details  http://www.firstwavesurfing.com.au/welcome/page8.php

9. The Research Wave: Presentation  Finally, as you approach the shore you may be faced with choices.....which way will you surf to the shore?  How can I shape all my information into an argument?  Summary searching: Go back and check you’ve covered all the angles  How will I present my work?  Have I included a bibliography?  http://www.godo.com.au/media/products/250x168/GRAW102_1.jpg

10. The Research Wave: Assessment  You’ve successfully caught your wave all the way into the shore!  You are peaceful and calm with yourself.  Or maybe, there’s a part of your surfing technique that you need to fix for next time......  http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/step-by- step/files/2009/08/laird_hamilton_at_teahupoo_august_17_2000.jpg