I.

Selecting a general topic (5 minutes)

Considerations:
Researchable
o Not autobiographical draws primarily on personal experiences
o Too current
o Overworked topics
o Too subjective
Sufficiently limited not too broad
Example: The care and training of K-9 Dogs
Sufficient available material

II.

Listing Key Words (10 minutes)

Definition:
Making a list of words to aid you in finding information
When to use?
Searching through sources and references
e.g. print resource, books, magazines in library; electronic
Why do you need it?
Faster and efficient researching
What are good key words?
Specifically describe your topic and closely related topics
HOW??
1. Write one or two sentences about your topic
2. Underline the specific words that describe your topic
3. Make a separate list of these specific words
4. Expand the list with related terms and synonyms
5. List words or phrases that describe the larger topic
6. List words or phrases that are more specific;subtopics

Class Activity. (30 minutes)

Let them think of a sample general topic.
Construct one-two statements describing the topic.
Follow the 5 steps in Listing Key Words.

Group Activity
3 members in a group
List 3 topics and one-two sentence describing it.

Other Resources**
Google search hacks
III.

Getting an Overview (15 minutes)

Definition: Finding a source of information
Benefits:
Begin to know what kinds of subtopics are within the general topic
Begin to ask some questions
Begin to focus your topic

IV.

Finding Sources
How do you find one?
Print resources
Electronic resources
Audiovisual sources
Evaluating Sources
Is it relevant?

Is it current? (date of publication)

Is it comprehensive?
Does it direct you to other sources?

Evaluating Websites
Determine credibility
o Name of Author
o Contact information
o Date of creation
o Date of information

Assess Quality of writing

o Citations
o Logical organization

Judge objectivity
Verify accuracy of data
o Timeliness of findings

What do you look for?

Take notes on headings and subheadings
Subtopics
Table of contents

Assignment: Activity Sheet 10

Do a preliminary research of your research topic.
List down 5 different sources
=================

Class Activity. (30 minutes)

Let them think of a sample general topic.
Construct one-two statements describing the topic.
Follow the 5 steps in Listing Key Words.

Group Assignment
3 members in a group
List 3 topics and one-two sentence describing it.

Group Assignment: Activity Sheet 10

Do a preliminary research of your research topic.
List down 5 different sources

Other Resources**
Google search hacks
Sample references (print screen)
V.

Conducting Overview Readings

1. Preview and Skim books

Check the date of publication

Scan table of contents

Read introduction and scan headings

2.

Preview and scan online or printed articles

Check currency

Check authority of author or internet site

Read intro, headings, conclusion

Separate articles that are closely related to yur topic

Second Meeting
VI.
Writing a Statement of Purpose
VII.
Writing a Thesis Statement

Other Input**
Present past studies (Thesis, Term Paper, Lit studies)

Class Activity. (30 minutes)

Let them think of a sample general topic.
Construct one-two statements describing the topic.
Follow the 5 steps in Listing Key Words.

Group Activity
3 members in a group
List 3 topics and one-two sentence describing it.

Assignment: Activity Sheet 10

Do a preliminary research of your research topic.
List down 5 different sources

Other Resources**
Google search hacks
Sample references (print screen)