Secondary Library Media (6-12)
Strand 2: Standard 1:
English Language Arts Grade 11-12
Writing Standard 8
3 class periods of 90 minutes each
Thinking & Reasoning
This is day three of a five day unit teaching students strong research skills for a "white paper" style research paper (can be modified for any procon research assignment). For the purpose of this assignment, the white paper is an argumentative piece which introduces a problem and argues a solution to that problem. In this teamtaught lesson, students will continue to learn that researching is not a linear process. Students will learn to adjust their topic based on what information is available (with their presearch). Focus will be on finding good search terms and thinking outside of the box to gather evidence.
This lesson requires computers or tablets for students to access UEN library resources. Librarian Teachers should have a computer and projector as well.
Supplementary materials attached.
This lesson will build on prior knowledge from the first two days of the unit.
Students will continue searching their topic.
Pacing | Instructional Sequence | Grouping Structure |
5 | Search Terms: |
Individual |
5 - 10 | Model branching out with your search to include parallel concepts in related areas that will help support an innovative problem solution. Practice as a class with a topic. |
Whole Group (Librarian) |
30 | Teacher will introduce "puzzles not pieces" concept for the first of many many times: our job as writers is not to give readers just one piece (i.e. one magical source that proves their point); instead, we need to piece together all of the research to present our readers with the completed puzzle. Smart Search Worksheet, teacher and librarian review topic proposals and return them to students while class works on worksheet. |
Individual (teacher) |
45 - 50 | Task Sheet Start Researching Teacher will review the 8 tasks students will need to complete in order to have a welldeveloped white paper. This task sheet is a guide for students to help them identify what information they need to find in their research process. The remainder of class will be used for students to begin researching. The tasklist will help them further identify where to begin this process. The librarian and teacher will walk around and assist students. |
Individual |
The Librarian and teacher will informally assess student understanding as they work with students for the last half of class.