RESEARCH PROCESS HELPER

    I.        Developer

              Sandra Hughes

  II.        Definition

             A synthesis of current thinking about information problem-solving

III.        Components

A.   Preparing

B.   Accessing

C.   Processing

D.  Transferring

IV.        Advantages  

A.   Interactive support for independent study

B.   Framework for the development of the thinking skills required for research

C.   Problem-solving model

D.  Worksheets to help students accomplish the thinking involved in each task

E.   Links to other resources that support students through the research process

   V.        Disadvantages

A.   Reviewing and evaluating contrasting explanations for the topic being researched, especially explanations which may differ from what the current research has concluded

B.   Reviewing the consensus (or lack of it) of the research findings among researchers

C.   Disseminating the findings and conclusions for critical review

VI.        Implications for the Library Media Center

Students who use the research process helper assume more responsibility for their own learning.  They learn to be critical thinkers and have a process for problem solving they can use for the rest of their lives.

Websites

www.resarchhelper.ca

www.shambles.net/pages/learning/infolit/infolitmod

www.virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/research.htm

http://www.uta.fi/FAST/FIN/RESEARCH/research.html

http://3.sympatico.ca/sandra.hughes/sandra.hughes/research/citing.html