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Below is the basic starter lesson I used to teach research steps in the MLTI World Book. It can be done with one topic modeled for the whole class. This modeling is especially important if the students have no previous lessons on research strategies. I often use the topic "How do wild cats and house cats compare as pets?", an analysis-level question.
1. Pre-search strategy: Before searching World Book, outline your search strategy, with three parts:
A. Topic question, in "critical thinking" format (Evaluation, Synthesis, Analysis, or Application).
B. Develop a list of Knowledge and Comprehension questions to answer. These are the Who, What, When, Where, and How questions.
C. Key words - develop these in relation to Who, What, When, Where and How questions. Use of Inspiration or any graphic organizer helps this process.
2. Search lessons: just the mechanics of World Book use, note taking skills need to be covered in separate lessons.
A. Mechanics of searching: difference between plural or singular terms; difference between CAPS, no caps, first letter Cap; use of endings and wild card; use of EDIT-FIND; use of "See Also."
B. Information gathering strategies: review your key words and questions, scanning and skimming to quickly find answers, cut & paste with bibliography, highlighting with four colors, sticky notes, audio note taking, notes directly to graphic organizer.
Formative assessment pieces can be developed from the Pre-search strategies. It is important to assess each step of the research. This keeps the students on task, gives you a feel for students' skills needs, and lessens the plagiarism issue.
Most school librarians can answer questions you have about any part of the above. If you have no school librarian, please feel free to ask me for help.
Caveat: the MLTI iBook World Book is only a partial World Book, abet in multimedia format. If students cannot find the all facts they need, try the paper version for deeper and fuller access.
Nancy B. Grant, nbgrant@prexar.com
Lead Teacher PVH
Content Teacher Region 6
Library Media Specialist
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