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05.1 Self-Analysis I: Search History Results

 

Queries follow a pattern called the Problem Solving Process. It is much the same as scientific inquiry or mathematical problem solving. At 21CIF we have created a diagram to illustrate the process.

Analyze the diagram. Begin with Define. A true problem solving process will not only move from the blue arrows, through the red arrows, to the black arrow; it may make many revolutions through the cycle before locating exactly what is sought. Surfing the net is random exploration; problem solving involves definite questions and answers.

 Diagram of the problem solving process. It is a circular representation of the process explained on this page.

The following table illustrates critical questions that contribute to an effective search. These are noted in the four corners of the Problem Solving Process diagram.

 Critical Thinking Questions, Tasks and Examples
 
Questions
Critical Thinking Tasks
Example Items

WHAT

What characteristics, concepts, and formats are you looking for?

*Identify characteristics
*Define Concept(s)
*Select Format

 *Fact/Opinion, Single/Multiple perspectives, Quantitative/Qualitative, Reliable/Less reliable
*Various concept representations
*Text/Picture/Sound 

WHEN

When do you need the information? (How long can you spend looking?)

 *Establish parameters
*Analyze tradeoffs
*Determine optimization		 *Time now/Time total
*Recall/Precision
*Over-optimizing/Sub-optimizing 

WHERE

Where is the most likely location in which to find this information?

 *Differentiate
*Order
*Select		 *Non-internet/Internet/WWW/Domain(s)/Site(s) /Document(s)
*Most probable/Less probable
*Time/Accessibility/Strengths/Experience

HOW

How will you search? (What tools will you use? What options would be most helpful?)

 Tools:
*Differentiate
*Order
*Select

Rules:
*Differentiate 
*Order
*Select

 Tools:  *Directories/Meta-SearchEngines/Search Engines/SiteSearch engines/Site maps
*Most useful/Least useful
*Time/Accessibility/Strengths/Experience Rules: 

Rules: *Keywords/Category names/Operators/Features
*Operators/FeaturesAnalysis
*Options:  Review all/Follow best/Select Site/Re-rank

WHY

Why did your search return the results you received? (Is this what you wanted? What clues are revealed to help you structure your search more efficiently?)

 *Compare results to goal
*Evaluate goal 
*Evaluate criteria of success		 *Generality/Specificity
*Adequate statement/Needs revision/Needs restating
*Realistic goal/Realistic parameters/Realistic comparison criteria

WHAT NEXT

What did you do Next? (Were you finished? If not, how did you refine your search and try again?)

 *Refine goal
*Refine Topic
*Refine Strategy
*Refine Tactics		 *Realistic/Less Realistic
*Too broad/Too narrow
*Too complex/Too simple
*Change tactics/Execute better

Copyright Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy 1999

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picture of an open book Please read at least one article or related information about Critical Thinking Skills contained in each of the following sites:

The Foundation for Critical Thinking seeks to promote change in education and society through the cultivation of critical thinking skills. "Critical thinking requires the cultivation of core intellectual virtues such as intellectual humility, perseverance, integrity, and responsibility." Critical thinking provides "substance and true intellectual discipline." Look under Resources for articles. This web site leads to many other critical thinking resources for K-20 education.

Marzano, et al., in their book, Dimensions of Thinking: A Framework for Curriculum and Instruction, have defined a set of core concepts and principles for integrating critical thinking into the Illinois Area3 Tech Hub's K-12 instruction. Quick reading checklist.

John H. Hummel and William G. Huitt (1999). "What You Measure Is What You Get." Paper presented at the National Panel of Education 2000. GA: Valdosta, Valdosta State University. This paper examines how assessment affects teaching practices when developing critical thinking.