If the school or district does not have a designated research model, one should be considered. A consistent approach is needed for students to tackle a research question. The common vocabulary will ease the transference from class to class and from department to department. Shared expectations of the research process will promote its use across the curriculum.
A select committee should explore different research models. The committee can be composed of the librarian, the technology coordinator, and representatives from each department or grade level. It is their responsibility to develop a research process model that can be used by all students.
The committee may want to contact their feeder schools to investigate if a research model is currently being used in those schools. If one is, considerations should be given to continue or adapt the existing model. The research model should also be shared with the feeder schools and local community colleges or higher ed schools when it is developed.
General Resources
NSDC Standards for Staff Development
http://www.nsdc.org/standards/index.cfm
Information Literacy Standards from the American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/InformationLiteracyStandards_final.pdf
CARET (Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology)
Q: How can technology develop higher order thinking and problem solving?
A: Technology can enable the development of higher order thinking skills when students are taught to apply the process of problem solving and are then allowed opportunities to apply technology in development of solutions.
http://caret.iste.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=evidence&answerID=7
Specific Research Models
Jamie McKenzie - The Research Cycle
The Big Six Nuts and Bolts of the Big6: Overview
Carol Kuhlthau
Stripling/Pitts REACTS Model
Pappas and Tepe's Pathways to Knowledge
Joyce and Tallman's I-Search
Kentucky Virtual Library
This is a kid-friendly site with excellent visual diagrams.
Annette Lamb: 8Ws Model for Information Literacy
Texas Information Literacy Tutorial
Research Model Comparison Charts
Infopeople Project
Phase by phase comparison of 4 research models.
LMS Associates
Narrative description of 6 research models.
Library Media Connection Journal - April/May 2004
Concept map and comparison of 8 research models.
School Specific Research Models
Downers Grove North High School
Addison Trail High School
Excellent example of how 21CIF MicroModules can be embedded in the research model.
Module Activities
1. Discuss:
How are DIF skills connected with the Big6 research model? (Download diagram)
2. Group Activity: Form 2-3 groups and draw a concept map of how the research model, the School Improvement Plan, the Tech Plan, NCLB, the Illinois Learning Standards and DIF skills are related. Share your concept map with the other groups. Examples of concept maps.
3. Complete Question 4 of the Planning Guide.
