The Big 6

Proper research can can be broken down into 6 distinct steps. Some of these steps are intuitive and if you have ever researched the answer to a simple question, you have accomplished a few of these already. This page is an attempt to help you visualize and think about your research to attain better results. The following list is called The Big 6.

1. Task Definition
-What does my teacher want me to do?
-When are my deadlines?
-When are my deadlines?
-What is the required format?
-What content is required?

2. Information Seeking Strategies
-Where can I find the kind of information I need?
-What are some good keywords or phrases that I can use to find my information?
-Are certain types of sources required or not allowed?

3. Location and Access
-Where can I find the sources I need to use?
-Once I have located a source, how can I most efficiently find the information I need? Index? Table-of-contents? Headings or Sub-headings?
-Have I used the correct citation format on my bibliography card?

4. Use of Information
-Have I read carefully?
-Are my notes in my own words?
-Do I understand everything that I have written down?

5. Synthesis
-How do I take all the information I’ve gathered and organize it in my own way to show my teacher what I have learned?

6. Evaluation
-Does my work meet all the requirements of the assignment?
-Does my product represent my BEST work?
-Did I learn anything about researching that might help me in the future?

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VIDEO TUTORIALS

Searching for Primary Resources Tutorial - If you are accessing Atomic Learning or BrainPop from home, click here for login and password.

For tips on how to locate primary source material, click here.

Did you forget how to search the catalog? Here is a tutorial created by Justin S. '12 that will refresh your memory.

Atomic Learning - provides web-based software training for more that 110 applications students and educators use everyday. These include Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver and many more. The tutorials can be accessed at home. Please ask a librarian for the user name and password.

Brain Pop - contains animated, curriculum-based content that engages students and supports educators. Some of the subjects covered include science, math, health, budgets and many more. Please as a librarian for the user name and password.

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BEYOND GOOGLE

Below are links to research tools that will help you with a number of class projects.

NoodleTools
provides links to different search engines, directories and other online sources based on your information needs. Try it out!

Visual Geography Series
In addition to the Visual Geography books we have in the library, Lerner Publishing Group has provided an additional online resource with links to country-specific information, up-to-date statistics, photographs and maps and much more.

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LibGuides

Munger Library LibGuides
LibGuides is another resource specifically created for HW Middle School Projects. There is bibliography help, ask a librarian, and great links to websites already vetted by your teachers and the librarians.

 

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updated 22 April 2009 by A.Martino

©2001 by Harvard-Westlake School. All rights reserved. Web site by Eric Stoltz, APR