NCCA Learning Commons Mrs Coleman When and how

NCCA Learning Commons Mrs. Coleman When and how to use Times Zones Sign-In Check-out specifics books, magazines, etc.

Research WHAT IT IS, HOW TO GET STARTED, AND HOW TO GET IT DONE WITHOUT HAVING A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

What is Research?

Where Are Some Places I Can Look When I Research? Encyclopedias Reference “Subject” Books search in the library computer for books

Subject Searches Type in your topic and choose the subject search.

Why Do I Need Research Skills – I Have the Internet! The Internet isn’t always available Internet is vast and huge – sometimes it’s hard to find the information you want

Why Do I Need Research Skills – I Have the Internet! How do you know what you’re getting is good information?

So What Is a Quality Website? Website Evaluation To use or not

I Know Where to Go; Now What Do I Do? THE STEPS TO RESEARCH

Step One: Task Definition Define the information problem What is the assignment? Identify the information you need in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem) Make a list of questions you might need to answer (K-W-L) Set deadlines—work backwards from the due date.

Step Two: Information Seeking Strategies Determine the range of possible sources Brainstorm a list Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities Select the best sources (availability, ease of use)

Step Three: Location and Access Locate sources Write down the web addresses or call numbers Get Find each source individually information within sources Use the Table of Contents, Index GALILEO— It’s not supposed to be a secret…. . Password? ? ?

Step Four: Use of Information Engage in the source (read, listen, view, touch) You probably won’t have to read everything If you don’t understand something you read, ASK FOR HELP!! Take out the relevant information from a source Take notes (do NOT copy word for word)

Step Five: Synthesis Organize information from multiple sources Outline, rough draft, sketch, . . . Present the information Final copy of your project Include a bibliography! Use the reference tab in Word or Citation Machine Did you do everything EXACTLY like your teacher asked?

Step Six: Evaluation Judge your product (how effective were you) Is it neat? Is it complete? Are you proud of it? Judge your information problem-solving process (how efficient were you) What did you learn? What will you do better next time? Is there something you need to know before doing this again?

Final Thoughts Learn to enjoy research – you’ll be doing it your whole life! To get you started. . . Log into Canvas Have you joined the Learning Commons Course? ? !!

Sources Desk Set. Dir. Walter Lang. DVD. 20 th Century Fox, 1957. Eisenberg, Michael B. and Robert E. Berkowitz. The Big 6. 1987. 10 April 2007 <http: //www. big 6. com/kids/712. htm>. Way, Tom. Dihydrogen Monoxide FAQ. 16 April 2007 <http: //www. dhmo. org/facts. html>. http: //lib. nmsu. edu/instruction/evalcrit. html http: //www. galileo. usg. edu/welcome/