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Introduction

Limitations

Study Methods

Practical Application

Questions?

Resources

Who are we & why this matters

Recognizing the constraints of the classroom

What we did and how we did it

Replication and application

Q&A discussions, handouts, and giveaways

We got you! Handouts and Giveaways!

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Who Are We?

Ana Katz

Brittany Maloy

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Why Source Evaluation Integration Matters in the ELA Classroom?

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Here’s Why It Matters

Empower Students to craft clear and focused thesis statements rooted in well-defined research questions
Cultivate critical thinking skills
Engage in counterarguments and diverse viewpoints

Findings Found:

Positive impact on student engagement with research
Enhanced ability to synthesize information
Heighted analytical depth
Contribute to scholarly conversations
More direct thesis statements
Well-crafted research questions

“Braided” Collaboration of writing and research teachers
If collaboration not possible, integration of research process at every stage of writing

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Our Study Methods

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Quick Overview

Integrated Curriculum Unit
Research Question Development
Reflective Journaling
Recorded Process Narratives
In-Class Research Presentations
Pre and Post-Surveys

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What We Found

Students research question changed over time
Students were more willing to examine their own bias and really check the opposing view to find validating counter-arguments
Some students double-downed on their viewpoints
Some students selected too specific topics
Other students were able to narrow down topics and examine the more nuanced issues

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Limitations

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Acknowledging Limitations

Resource Constraints:

Limited access to resources, including technology for recording processes, access to diverse research materials, and time for in-class presentations, may hinder the effective execution of the curriculum.
Solution: Seek external funding or grants to enhance resources. Collaborate with school administrators to allocate additional funds for technology and research materials. Explore partnerships with local libraries or educational organizations to access supplementary resources. https://utah.grantwatch.com/cat/42/teachers-grants.html

Teacher Training and Familiarity:

ELA educators may require training and professional development to become familiar with the intricacies of the braided approach.
Solution: Establish a mentoring system where experienced teachers assist those who are less familiar with the braided approach. Work with your librarian, advocate with your administration, or invite university librarians or local librarians to speak to teachers and possibly students on conducting research.

Time Constraints:

Balancing the comprehensive curriculum within the constraints of the academic calendar may pose a challenge. Teachers may feel pressured to cover essential content within limited timeframes.
Solution: Prioritize key components of the curriculum and integrate them strategically into existing ELA units. Explore ways to extend learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom hours, such as utilizing afterschool programs or incorporating elements into homework assignments.

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Practical Application

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Utah State Standards for Writing

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Utah State Standards for Writing

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Putting into Practice

Research Question Development:

Instruction: Begin your writing projects by guiding students to formulate clear and focused research questions. Emphasize the importance of a well-defined research question as the foundation for developing a strong thesis statement.

Integrated Curriculum Unit:

Instruction: Develop a cohesive curriculum unit that seamlessly weaves together writing and research, emphasizing the entire process from crafting research questions to building a well-supported academic argument. Align each stage with Common Core Standards for writing and library media.

Reflective Journaling:

Instruction: Introduce reflective journaling as a regular writing activity. Have students document their evolving understanding of research methodologies, synthesis of information, and the development of their academic argument. Align prompts with Common Core Standards for writing.

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Recorded Process Narratives:

Instruction: Incorporate recorded process narratives into your writing projects. Encourage students to verbally articulate their processes and decisions in selecting and evaluating sources. This multimedia approach aligns with Common Core Standards for writing and library media.

In-Class Research Presentations:

Instruction: Include in-class research presentations to enhance oral communication and argumentation skills. This aligns with Common Core Standards for writing and encourages peer learning. Emphasize the importance of effectively communicating research findings.

Pre and Post-Surveys:

Instruction: Utilize pre and post-surveys as a reflective writing task aligned with Common Core Standards for writing. Before starting a writing project, have students assess their current knowledge of engaging in academic research and synthesizing information. After completion, guide them to reflect on their skills development.

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Lesson Ideas

Tracking information consumption

QFT (Question Formula Technique) Make Just One Change: Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions by Dan Rothstein and Luz Santana

Workshop research questions

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Check In With Our Attitudes

Intellectual humility and research is learning
Intellectual Humility (from 1:30-7:00) President Worthen (former BYU president)

Research is a process (cooking metaphor)

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From Love the Questions: Reclaiming Research with Curiosity and Passion by Cathy Fraser

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Source Evaluation

Debunking myths:

No surface-level indicators
No more CRAAP
Domain Names–irrelevant
Website appearance
Wikipedia is OKAY!

Lateral Reading (Google hack)
Stanford Education Group

https://cor.stanford.edu/curriculum/

Verified by Mike Caulfeild
John Green’s Crash Course: John Green's Crash Course

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Resources

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AI Technology and Utah’s Online Library

AI → ChatGPT, Google Bard

Suggestions for key terms
Background information (with reservation)

→ Databases to use for ELA students

Academic Search Premier, GALE, BAIRD

https://onlinelibrary.uen.org/

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