The Newman School
Boston
Research Methods
5th Period – Library
Ms Berry Fall 2011
Course Description:
This course is designed specifically to enable Newman upper-class students to gain experience and strong proficiencies in the process of research. This hands-on, interactive, collaborative exploration of strategies for success is driven by the International Baccalaureate standards and philosophy. Students will learn skills and techniques to support the inquiry-based model of IB
while crafting their own skill-sets as they practice ways to evaluate and use resources in today’s information-overload and technology-driven society
The backbone of the course is the research process itself, broken into a series of manageable units. As a precursor, we will review basic study skills, library use, issues of plagiarism, MLA format, as well as closely examining a wide range of types of resources.
We will explore strategies and electronic tools to evaluate their effectiveness for a specific purpose. We will present our ongoing work through a group project designed to create “pathfinders’ for the Newman community through a “Lib Guides” program which will be shared through our web site. Class time will be spent between the Newman Library, the Computer Lab, and many trips to Boston Public Library.
Course Requrements and Required Materials:
1. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. NY: MLA, 2009. Most students will already have this from other classes.
2. An assignment notebook
3. A Newman / BPL library card with PIN and e-mail address.
4. Other items to be discussed in our first class include a dictionary, 3 ring binder, a journal, and notecards.
5. A curious, inquisitive attitude.
Goals & Objectives:
1. You will develop and use techniques and strategies to become “Information Literate” as a responsible world citizen, based on specific 21st Century Literacy models.
2. You will learn and practice how to use information critically, follow an inquiry-based research process; access and understand information in various formats, collaborate, question, evaluate and use multiple literacies in an ethical manner as the basis for lifelong learning.
3. You will practice a wide range of approaches to accessing information in various formats and become empowered in the depth and breadth of skills in your pursuit of your role as aresponsible, ethical user of information.
4. By the end of the course you will be able to ‘take ownership’ of an effective approach to study and learning with a clear idea of the research process and a strong skill-set to support the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Course Policies and Instructor Expectations:
Attendance: Attendance is required at all classes. Students are responsible for all materials, class notes, and homework assignments for the days missed. Check the website for your assignments. Homework assignments are due on the first day back. Tests, quizzes, projects and presentations must be made up within 2 days of return to class.
Tardiness: Tardiness is UNACCEPTABLE. If a student fails to reach the classroom before the bell, a late slip will be necessary for admittance into the class.
Class Participation: Class Participation is required. Students are required to be attentive and to participate in class discussion. Students will be called upon frequently to explore and demonstrate to the class the many tools we will be using.
Classroom Expectations:
Be prepared; writing tools, binder, journal, completed homework should be on your desk
when the bell rings.
Be respectful: Students will act with respect toward others at all times, including
• listening when others speak
• working quietly even when doing group work
• staying with the task at hand
• not ‘wandering’ on the web
Grading;
Exams, Tests, Projects 40%
Quizzes 30%
Homework, Journal, Class
Participation and behavior,
Daily Assignments 30%