How Do I Use the Internet Effectively?
5 Minutes / Slide 1:
Staff: Introductions
Teacher introduces the ambassadors and outline plan for the session [timings, structure and breaks].
Introduction from the Ambassadors and an outline about their course of study.
Aim of session: This session follows on from session 1 where project ideas were developed- in order to complete their EPQ they will need to carry out various and extensive research, much like when they are at university. Therefore the main aim of this session is to explore the various research methodologies available and consider which methods would be most appropriate for their own project. / Slide 1 / Gain rapport with group
(intro only necessary if being delivered as a separate session to Session 1)
3 Minutes / Slide 2:
Objectives
•Explore various research methodologies
•Consider styles of referencing
•Understand the relevance of plagiarism
•Mind map various research methodologies for own project idea / Slide 2
10 Minutes / Slide 3:
The Research - Activity
Show Title ‘The Research’
Ask students where they can find information from or source research?
Write responses on flip chart paper and discuss briefly to ensure a full list is obtained
Show next part of slide: ‘Primary sources & secondary sources’
Ask students if they know the difference and where would they place the examples they have just given?
Show rest of slide
Give examples of resources if not already mentioned e.g. Media would encompass TV & film (documentaries, fiction, plays), radio (live, recorded, archive), newspapers, magazines, photographs
Mention other sources of research (see handout for reference) not mentioned already
e.g.
Internet - websites, videos, podcasts.
Libraries - university library is open access for e.g., most things can be ordered through the British Library although there is almost always a fee.
Text Books - fiction, novels, journals, DVD’s archive
People - questionnaires, interviews, observation
Social networking sites – Facebook, Twitter
Events - fashion show, play, performance
Museums - contemporary, historical
Archive - manuscripts, journals, legislative data
Experiments- statistical data / Slide 3 / Obtain extensive list of resources
Slide 4:
Research Log
Information Log
Completing a table such as this as you go along will help you to keep track of the information that you come across. It will help you to evaluate a source of information in terms of reliability or bias.
Issue: Handout- Research Log / Slide 4
10 Minutes
5 Minutes extra if needed / Slide 5:
Mind-Mapping
Students to write on their own flip chart paper, their ideas for sources of research for their own project. Ambassadors to circulate around the tables to help develop ideas/make suggestions. / Slide 5
5 Minutes / Slide 5:
Mind-Mapping
Students to swap their papers with a partner and now their partner can write on their ideas for sources of research for their partner’s project.
Ambassadors to circulate around the tables to help develop ideas/make suggestions. / Slide 5
10 Minutes / Slide 6:
The Research
Skills & Technologies used
[Recap from previous session on the range of sources of information]
Discuss the following points:
- How do I use the internet effectively?
- How do I write to people?
- How do I interview people?
- How do I use questionnaires?
- How do I carry out practical work/obtain scientific data?
Issue Handout: Evaluating Websites / Slide 6
5 Minutes / Slide 7 + 8:
Referencing Different Sources
Outline what a full reference will typically include i.e. author, year of publication, age of publication etc.
Websites change/get updated- use date website was accessed / Slide 7 +8
5 Minutes / Slide 9:
Referencing Tips
•Check your reference style
- School or college may have their own preferred style
•Use a consistent style throughout
•Reference as you work
- Remember to use the research log
•Online referencing tools are available
Ambassador tips! / Slide 9
5 Minutes / Slide 10:
Summary: Research Ideas
Summarise what has been covered in the session
Are students happy with the ideas for their own project? Did the session help them explore new research ideas for their projects?
Great... Don’t forget they have great resources at school- specialist teachers, libraries and affiliated organisations. / Slide 10
2 Minutes / Any final questions/suggestions
...and of course you can also contact us directly if you need to.
Any questions?
Thank you for listening and good luck with your project research.
Evaluation / Slide 11
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