When
students have the opportunity to write a report on a topic they choose
themselves, you may run into some research dilemmas. What if your library
doesn’t have suitable sources? What if the reading level of websites is too
advanced?
Professional
nonfiction writers often have trouble finding information too. Even a
nationwide or worldwide search may yield little information on a specific
topic. For example, when I was working on No
Monkeys, No Chocolate, I was frustrated that no one had ever written about
the animals that interact with cocoa trees.
nonfiction writers often have trouble finding information too. Even a
nationwide or worldwide search may yield little information on a specific
topic. For example, when I was working on No
Monkeys, No Chocolate, I was frustrated that no one had ever written about
the animals that interact with cocoa trees.
For
my current work-in-progress about prehistoric creatures, I’m finding a lot of
conflicting information in the scientific papers I’m reading. Some days I feel
so confused because I just can’t tell which sources are the most reliable.
my current work-in-progress about prehistoric creatures, I’m finding a lot of
conflicting information in the scientific papers I’m reading. Some days I feel
so confused because I just can’t tell which sources are the most reliable.
What
do I do when I hit snags like these? I ask an expert. And there’s no reason
your students can’t do the same thing.
do I do when I hit snags like these? I ask an expert. And there’s no reason
your students can’t do the same thing.
Over
the years, I’ve built relationships with scientists in various disciplines. These
researchers are always happy to help me track down little-know resources or
identify the leading theories among scientists in a particular field.
the years, I’ve built relationships with scientists in various disciplines. These
researchers are always happy to help me track down little-know resources or
identify the leading theories among scientists in a particular field.
Your
school can create a similar community of experts. Everyone is an expert in
something. By surveying parents at the beginning of each school year, you can discover
what they’re passionate about and whether they’re willing to answer questions on
that topic from a child doing a report. You can also identify community workers
who would be willing to assist students. It’s a great way to help students
understand how professional writers go about their work.
school can create a similar community of experts. Everyone is an expert in
something. By surveying parents at the beginning of each school year, you can discover
what they’re passionate about and whether they’re willing to answer questions on
that topic from a child doing a report. You can also identify community workers
who would be willing to assist students. It’s a great way to help students
understand how professional writers go about their work.
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Topics
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3 Responses
Great suggestion, Melissa! When we did Genius Hour we would often run into this problem. We would email the experts and my students were delighted when they answered back!
Yes, Genius Hour would be the perfect time for this kind of research. Thanks, Jennifer.
Perfect solution to involve the community and make learning connections in the real world. TY, Melissa.