Where do you begin when you are asked to write a research paper or complete a research project? The Research Cycle framework is centered around the idea of inquiry. Below are listed a series of steps that will aid you in this first stage of the Cycle. Within each step are also resources you can use to help you figure out what to do and where to go.
Know the Parameters
Follow the explicit directions of your teacher as to the format of the paper and its deadlines.
The planning begins here: record the dates and the requirements in your organizational tool of choice.
This tool, called the Research Project Calculator (http://rpc.elm4you.org/), was developed for high school and college students and helps you schedule when tasks need to be completed for a major research project. Watch this screencast to learn how it works.
Initial Inquiry: Determine exactly what the problem is.Some activities that should take place during this initial inquiry are as follows:
Make connections between your topic and prior knowledge--What do you already know?
Flip-It chart
Discuss possible topics with your teacher and media specialist
Use general sources of information for overview of possible topics (pre-reading)
Read widely
Make preliminary search of the databases( "Access Guide to Online Databases" provided by teacher or media specialist), internet reference sites, and the library.(Get Sparta Public Libary card).Formulate initial questions
Use strategies to narrow your focus and develop specific questions and determine what information you need.
To accomplish this task, you might try some of these options:
Formulate a "target" or "focus" statement which reflects what you intend to research and surround it with questions you intend to answer as you move through the project.
This statement does not have to be the thesis statement of the final paper nor do the questions have to get at the essential question you are attempting to answer.
Inquiry and Questioning
Where do you begin when you are asked to write a research paper or complete a research project? The Research Cycle framework is centered around the idea of inquiry. Below are listed a series of steps that will aid you in this first stage of the Cycle. Within each step are also resources you can use to help you figure out what to do and where to go.
Know the Parameters
Initial Inquiry: Determine exactly what the problem is. Some activities that should take place during this initial inquiry are as follows:
Use strategies to narrow your focus and develop specific questions and determine what information you need.
To accomplish this task, you might try some of these options:
Before Moving on....