Just in Case anyone is interested in what I came up with, or actually wants to borrow it. I read many how to write a research paper books over the summer, but these articles by Susan Wise Bauer were the most helpful.
Research Methods Syllabus
September 19, 2008 Introduction; samples of research papers, how to choose a topic, the value of “double dipping,” primary, secondary sources, using an index, class questions
Student Assignment: Discuss your topic choices with your parents. Meet the research librarian at your library. Learn how to use your library’s interlibrary loan system, preferably from your home computer. Begin to read secondary sources about your possible topics. Expect to spend 6-9 hours on this a week from now on.
September 26, 2008 Discuss pre-reading in class. As a class, help one another to narrow the topic choices.
Student Assignment: continue pre-reading. Seek out the sources quoted in the books you have been reading so you can read the originals. Are there any journal articles on your topic? Are there any living experts you can interview? Mark interesting spots in your books with lots of scrap paper book marks. Begin jotting questions to yourself in a notebook or on a voice recorder. Begin to look for patterns arising from your questions.
October 3, 2008
Introduce thesis statements. Pick good and bad thesis statements from samples. Help one another craft our thesis statements.
Student Assignment: Finish pre-reading, create, refine and polish thesis statement. Continue to read as more specialized books arrive from the library. Continue marking good bits with scrap paper book marks.
October 10, 2008
Celebrate finished thesis statements (this might involve sweets hmmm) Introduce outlining. What are note cards? What is a Bibliography? Competitive outlining game (time permitting.)
Student assignment
Take notes either on note cards or in a word processor.
October 17, 2008
Outline game. Writing from an outline. What do I do if my thesis changes with more information? How do I turn note cards into an outline? (hint, it’s like sorting laundry)
Student assignment
Organize your thoughts with an outline. Continue to read as more books come in. Keep track of the great books, keep up your question and observation log.
October 24, 2008
Writing from an outline continued. Introduce citations, and various work cited page formatting. Gently seek holes in one another’s outlines. Do the arguments make sense?
Student assignment
Seek more information to fill in gaps in your outline. Look for great quotes. You can begin to write your paper, one paragraph per major and minor points. If it is hard to start, leave your introduction and conclusion for last. They are attention grabbing restatements of your thesis, so they should sparkle.
Lap book and trifold board students; make a mini book or matted page for each major point on your outline. Look for copyright free images you can use to decorate your project. Choose mini books based on the number and type of information to present. The trifold board should be divided into the number of spaces as you have major points.
speech project: practice elaborating your outline in front of a mirror. Time yourself. If it takes longer than 15 min, leave out some examples that are not essential. Polish your introduction for interest. Practice in front of family members for gentle feedback. You can have your note cards or outline in front of you for reference, but do not write out your speech, writing and speaking are different.
October 31, 2008
Mrs Guest available to anyone with questions. Students discuss their projects with one another.
Student assignment
Write the body of your paper, skipping the introduction and conclusion for later. Make at least one paragraph for each main point and minor point in your outline.
Lap book students: Arrange the minibooks in your file folder attractively. Print your title on the front cover beautifully. Decorate margins and minibook covers with stickers, drawing, images from the internet, or whatever you like.
Organize your trifold board with your papers and images. Be sure to leave enough space between items to have a clear margin. Give your sections titles.
Keep practicing and polishing your speech. Remember to stand up straight and breath from your belly.
November 7, 2008
Present trifold boards, lap books, and speeches. Mrs Guest available for any questions about the project.
Student assignment
Refine your paper. It is easier to find mechanical errors if you leave time between editing sessions. Another person may find errors you don’t. Finish your works cited page, check your in text citations. Craft your introduction and conclusion paragraphs.
November 14, 2008
Continued presentation of speeches. Mrs Guest available for any questions about the project.
Create the fair copy of your paper. You may need to hire a family member to type it for you.
November 21, 2008
Celebrate completion of papers. Present papers for class’s reading
Student assignment
Don’t forget to show any visiting relatives your work!