Presents a format for an organized research procedure. Three information source sheets for keeping track of research materials--encyclopedias, books, and other sources such as periodicals, newspapers, and interviews--progress to greater levels of detail and are designed for use by grade 2, grades 3-6, and grade 8. (MES)

Explains the need to teach students different strategies for taking notes for research, especially at the exploration and collecting information stages, based on Carol Kuhlthau's research process. Discusses format changes; using index cards; notes for live presentations or media presentations versus notes for printed sources; and forming focus…

Discusses models for information skills that include inquiry-oriented activities. Highlights include WebQuest, which uses Internet resources supplemented with videoconferencing; Minnesota's Inquiry Process based on the Big Six model for information problem-solving; Indiana's Student Inquiry Model; constructivist learning models for inquiry; and…

When the space shuttle "Columbia" was "lost entering the Earth's atmosphere," third graders at the Lamplighter School in Texas became curious about space travel. Using topics of interest and brainstorming exercises based on a presentation by Elaine Scott, author of "Adventures in Space: The Flight to Fix the Hubble,"…

Describes how reference collections can be used by middle school students to evaluate poems as literature and sources of historical fact. Two sidebars list U.S. history reference books appropriate for middle schools and story poems that can be used for an authentification project. (JMV)

"Mental modeling" refers to a student's ability to visualize or comprehend the information research process. This article reviews 50 years of changing conceptions of how we learn: behaviorist, cognitivist, and constructivist perspective; describes the application of three "mental models" to interactive technology; and discusses…

Reviews the Big6 information problem-solving model. Highlights include benefits and dangers of the simplicity of the model; theories of instruction; testing of the model; the model as a process for completing research projects; and advice for school library media specialists considering use of the model. (LRW)

Describes a process for teaching middle school students how to do research. Topics addressed include student attitudes; five major components of the research process; choosing topics that interest the students personally; assessing student progress; and benefits to the students. (LRW)

In presearch, students can develop an overview of a search topic; a graphic organizer in the form of a web can be used. The browse and hypertext features of electronic encyclopedias enable students to explore topics and develop search strategies. The information-gathering process should be holistic and nonlinear. (AEF)

Discusses how an elementary school in Honolulu, Hawaii, used parent volunteers as assistants in the research mentoring process. The objectives were to: provide students with additional support in research assignments, involve parents with students and the library and provide teachers and librarians with valuable assistance. Highlights include…

Describes two search models for school libraries. Models include searches defined by the student but conducted by a trained searcher, and student-conducted searches which teach search skills. Decisions about which model (or combination) to use should be based on the available resources and the purposes for conducting the search. (AEF)

Effective notetaking in student research consists of three steps: identification of key-word and related words in the researchable questions, skimming and scanning, and extracting needed information. These steps begin after students have defined and narrowed the task, constructed researchable questions, and located appropriate sources. Two…

Focuses on ideas and strategies to help students identify appropriate resources for specific research tasks. Highlights include three processes for working through assignments, brainstorming and narrowing the list of sources, using a checklist of primary sources, and other considerations. (AEF)

Describes a research model developed by Jamie McKenzie that integrates technology and information literacy skills through a research project. Highlights include the need to teach information literacy skills in schools; research questions; planning research; evaluation of the research; and reporting, or creating a final product. (LRW)

Describes four models: The Authoring Cycle, a whole language approach that reflects the inquiry process; I-Search, an approach to research that uses the power of student interests; Cultural Celebration, using local heritage topics; and Science Lab Report, for the composition of a lab report. (LRW)