THE BIG SIX: STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE RESEARCH

GRADE 6-10
Name/s:

Class:

Subject:
Project Title:

INTRODUCTION
Follow these steps to help you research information for your project. You must do the activity one step at the time.

STEP 1

TASK DEFINITION

Define your problem/ project. (What am I supposed to do? Why?)

OBJECTIVES (What will I learn?):

THE WORKING METHODS (How will I work individual / group who will do what; what process/es will I
follow?:

THE FINAL RESULT (What language form will I use to communicate my information?):

IDENTIFY THE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS. (What information do I need? i.e. facts, examples,
diagrams, table, graphs, experts.)

Step 2. INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES

Consider: accuracy- (complete); related (on the topic); availability (ease of
use); appealing, etc.
Consider possible sources. e.g. BOOKS, REFERENCE BOOKS (Encyclopedias,
dictionaries, almanacs, other reference materials); AUDIO VISUAL (CD roms, Videos /
VCDS & DVDS, cassettes, others), PERSONAL INTERVIEWS; INTERNET (record
websites used). Indicate which maybe the best sources and why.

Step 3 LOCATIONS & ACCESS

Locate sources (Where will I find these sources?). List resource & call numbers/
location, etc. When located consider if the source is readable. use the 5
finger method.

Primary Sources: Information gained from

eyewitnesses - interviews, photos, videos, original artifacts

Secondary Sources: Research on an issue from

internet, encyclopedia, experts, etc.

STEP 4. USE OF INFORMATION ( see note-taking sheet attached to organise your notes)
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NOTE:. Only written notes are to be submitted with your project. When taking notes avoid writing full
sentences only write key words that relate to the main idea. Use these later when drafting to write your own
summary of the information (paraphrase). Record references of sources used on the Notetaking sheet. To avoid
plagiarism both words (quotes) and ideas taken from another sources MUST be acknowledged.
When collecting information consider the following:
Is the information suited to the project? (Coverage)
Can the information be verified in another source?
(Accuracy)
Is the information up-to-date? (Current)

Was the information written by an expert? (Authority)

Is the information objective? (Objectivity)

Readability

Note: Students identify questions to guide their research. They then use resources to take notes that answer their
questions. They also give full bibliographical details of resources used .

SOURCES: Show
all sources details
below.

RESEARCH QUESTION
1

RESEARCH QUESTION
2

RESEARCH QUESTION
3

1. SOURCE
DETAILS

Notes: Use keywords

Notes: Use keywords

Notes: Use keywords

2. SOURCE
DETAILS

Notes: Use keywords

Notes: Use keywords

Notes: Use keywords

3. SOURCE
DETAILS

Notes: Use keywords

Notes: Use keywords

Notes: Use keywords

STEP 5

SYNTHESIS - Writing Plan( see assessment guide & planning sheet)

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Choosing a suitable Language Form. Organize the information using an appropriate language form. Outline
the structure of this language form i.e. Introduction, the body content, conclusion. Use this structure to write a
plan that fits in your researched information. Remember one idea one paragraph.

What Communication Techniques will you use to support, develop your information? i.e. use graphs, tables,
diagrams, sketches, field data, photos, etc. Make sure to link this information into the body of your writing.

Acknowledge Sources - referencing (credit your sources) Give citation (in-text referencing- within you
written text) and a bibliography at the end of your project. Use the proper MLA bibliographic formatting.

STEP 6 EVALUATION

Judge the products (How is my final product?)/ effectiveness

Cover name, class, project title (artistic):

Contents / information given. i.e. does it follow the requirements of the assessment guide?

Presentation of project; Is it appealing & interesting, use correct formatting double line spacing?

Judge the process (Did I follow the process?)/efficiency

Did I complete all the sections from the task definitions / assessment guide? How well did I go in each
( self assessment) ?

Did I write down all my sources and give proper reference / credit?

Did I complete the written, visual, and oral presentations?

I have proofread (check for ideas) & edited (checked for word & language usage) my work?

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