For an introduction to academic research in Grade 8, I decided to kick it back old school and teach the students the notecard system. Partly this is because our students are not allowed personal laptops, but I also like the kinesthetic element of using physical note cards as opposed to virtual note cards. Either way, the students had their very first taste of using research databases and citing sources in MLA format.
The Learning Targets
My learning targets combine the Cambridge KeyStage 9 Standards (KS9) and the International Baccalaureate Approaches to Learning (ATLs). You can easily swap these with any English Language Arts or Information Literacy standards that you're using.
The Learning Targets
My learning targets combine the Cambridge KeyStage 9 Standards (KS9) and the International Baccalaureate Approaches to Learning (ATLs). You can easily swap these with any English Language Arts or Information Literacy standards that you're using.
Research Project Assessment Rubric
Students were asked to choose one part of the brain during a class sign up. I did not want more than one student assigned to the same part of the brain in any section. They then had to learn to use the notecard system to research the brain using only 3 carefully chosen sources, of 3 different text types. They were required to follow along with a research planning document and to physically write at least 30 note cards before they started their actual writing & design. The final project was graded using this rubric. The colors and categories correspond to the skills and standards listed above. I use a scale of 4, 3, 1 for a total maximum of 24 points.
Students were asked to choose one part of the brain during a class sign up. I did not want more than one student assigned to the same part of the brain in any section. They then had to learn to use the notecard system to research the brain using only 3 carefully chosen sources, of 3 different text types. They were required to follow along with a research planning document and to physically write at least 30 note cards before they started their actual writing & design. The final project was graded using this rubric. The colors and categories correspond to the skills and standards listed above. I use a scale of 4, 3, 1 for a total maximum of 24 points.
Resources for Students
I teach students the notecard system with introductory videos and samples. After that, it's a lot of library time and computer lab time with hands on feedback. If you can have 1 or 2 additional teachers or librarians assisting during these times, you'll be able to double or triple your feedback. I always felt like 22 students were all calling my name or swarming with their note cards! It was fantastic to see the energy and seriousness they brought to learning these new skills. We also did a short review on the difference between paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting. I made clear that I wanted 90% paraphrasing for this project.
1. Overview of Note Card System - Source Cards, Paraphrase Cards, Quote Cards [VIDEO = 10 minutes]
2. How to Write MLA Citations - 8th Edition [VIDEO = 3:38 min]
3. Knight Cite - MLA Citation Generator
4. Taking Notes Using Note Cards - PikeSchool [PDF - 3 pages]
5. Research Bib & Note Cards - How To [VIDEO - 8 minutes]
Student work samples to come - I have a desk full of note cards and brochures that look amazing and have shown up as 100% original writing in similarity index checks! Success!
I teach students the notecard system with introductory videos and samples. After that, it's a lot of library time and computer lab time with hands on feedback. If you can have 1 or 2 additional teachers or librarians assisting during these times, you'll be able to double or triple your feedback. I always felt like 22 students were all calling my name or swarming with their note cards! It was fantastic to see the energy and seriousness they brought to learning these new skills. We also did a short review on the difference between paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting. I made clear that I wanted 90% paraphrasing for this project.
1. Overview of Note Card System - Source Cards, Paraphrase Cards, Quote Cards [VIDEO = 10 minutes]
2. How to Write MLA Citations - 8th Edition [VIDEO = 3:38 min]
3. Knight Cite - MLA Citation Generator
4. Taking Notes Using Note Cards - PikeSchool [PDF - 3 pages]
5. Research Bib & Note Cards - How To [VIDEO - 8 minutes]
Student work samples to come - I have a desk full of note cards and brochures that look amazing and have shown up as 100% original writing in similarity index checks! Success!
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