Theoretical Conclusion and Works Cited

This was a very beneficial study, and I enjoyed getting to know these processes better than before.  It has made it clear to me that I-Search is far superior to the other two methods used, primarily because of its freedom and flexibility on the part of the student.  Students will research what interests them, and will research it exhaustively.  Our task as librarians is to help them take the information they find and assemble it into something beneficial and lasting, organized and accurate.

My school uses none of these processes to my knowledge.  There are research papers and posters created and displayed, but they are assembled as show pieces without a consistent practice or process.  Many of my teachers do not allow the students to submit them electronically, like an infographic.  Since it is my first year in a new district and at a new campus, I hope to change that practice over time.  I will first attempt to persuade the teachers who are open to collaboration, and try to radiate the practice from there.

Finally, I am very excited to share this process with my teachers for the benefit of students who are like me, and more interested in my future and what I want to learn than what I must learn and then forget.  They are my motivating force.




WORKS CITED

Bowen, C. (2001). The I-search with grade 5: They learn! Teacher Librarian, 29(2), 14-17.

Eisenberg, M., Johnson, D., & Berkowitz, B. (2010). Information, communications, and technology (ICT) skills curriculum based on the Big6 skills approach to information problem-solving. Library Media Connection, 28(6), 24.

Johnson, D., & Eisenberg, M. (1996). Computer literacy and information literacy: A natural combination. Emergency Librarian,23(5), 12-16.

Kuhlthau, C. C. (1993). Implementing a process approach to information skills: A study identifying indicators of success in library media programs. School Library Media Quarterly 22 (4):11–18.

Tallman, J. I., & Joyce, M. Z. (2006). Making the writing and research connection with the I-search process: A how-to-do-it manual. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers.