J. Albright :
Research & Critical Thinking
and
Read 180/System 44
J. Albright :
Research & Critical Thinking
and
Read 180/System 44
Contact Information:
Room 9 School Phone: 904.630.6782, ext. 117
E-mail: albrightj@duvalschools.org
Research and Critical Thinking Syllabus:
Course Description
The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop intermediate-level knowledge and skills in the research process with emphasis on locating and using sources of information related to research questions. The content includes, but is not limited to the following elements of the research process:
Course Objectives
1. Students will choose a topic to research.
2. Students will create a series of 10-12 questions related to their chosen topic.
3. Students will utilize an I-Search journal to research their questions.
4. Students will employ Internet sources, interviews, and one other source to answer their questions.
5. Upon completion of their research, students will create a written report, powerpoint presentation, or
display of their research.
Benchmarks and Standards Addressed
1. Demonstrates knowledge of the steps in the research process.
2. Identifies potential topics for research questions through techniques such as personal observation,
research review, and interaction with one's environment.
3. Demonstrates knowledge of the characteristics and purpose of research questions and hypotheses
4. Defines research questions based on a review of issues, problems, and observations in specific
topics using varied sources of information.
5. Analyzes and evaluates research questions using accepted criteria appropriate for the researcher.
6. Demonstrates awareness of potential sources of information (e.g., books, periodicals, databases,
Internet sources, experts) and strategies for locating, searching, and determining quality and relevance of information.
LA.A.2.3.5: locate, organize, and interpret written information for a variety of purposes, including classroom research,
collaborative decision making, and performing a school or real-world task.
LA.A.2.3.6: use a variety of reference materials, including indexes, magazines, newspapers, and journals; and use tools,
including card catalogs and computer catalogs to gather information for research topics.
LA.A.2.3.8: check the validity and accuracy of information obtained from research in such ways as differentiating fact and
opinion, identifying strong vs. weak arguments, and recognizing that personal values influence the conclusions an
author draws.
7. Refines a research question and forms one or more appropriate hypotheses.
MA.E.3.3.1: formulates hypotheses, collects and interprets data, and evaluates hypotheses by making inferences and
drawing conclusions based on statistics, tables, graphs, and/or charts.
8. Demonstrates awareness of the accepted formats, styles, and content of research reports.
9. Conducts one or more directed investigations and produces a research report.
LA.B.1.3.2: drafts and revises writing that is focused, purposeful, and reflects insight into the writing situation; and which
conveys a sense of completeness and wholeness with adherence to the main idea.
10. Conducts a critical analysis of one's own research studies (i.e., discusses results, identifies limitations
of the investigation, and suggests directions for future investigations).
Classroom Expectations
Visably posted in classroom along with other rituals and routines.
Daily assignment agenda posted on the classroom white board.
Grading Policy
Students are expected to fully partricipate in the research process. Grading is as follows:
I-Search Project (50%) Grading Scale
Whole Class Work (25%) 90-100 (A)
Class Participation (15%) 80-89 (B)
Homework (10%) 70-79 (C)
60-69 (D)
50-59 (F)
Required Instructional Materials
2 Pencils
1 Blue or Black Ink Pen
1 Composition Book (journal)
Access to the Internet and/or the Jacksonville Public Library