Research+Methodologies

NHEMA Discussions:

12/17 This is a very interesting discussion and not to indicate a preference one way or another as I am a big fan of finding what works best for your own particular situation, I would like to clarify that the one process model that is truly research-based (according to the gold standard of research and that is that a study is considered generalizable and has been replicated) is Carol Kuhlthau’s Information Search Process. Kuhlthau published a new take on this (Guided Inquiry: Learning in the 21st Century Carol C. Kuhlthau, Leslie K. Maniotes, and Ann K. Caspari, Libraries Unlimited, 2007) that is well worth a read for reviewing your school or district approach to the research process.

Even Mike Eisenberg acknowledges the difference between his model and Kuhlthau's work in a paper at this link: @http://www.lita.org/ala//mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/slmrb/editorschoiceb/infopower/selcteisenberg.cfm

Than being said, in our district the elementary schools use what we refer to a “modified Big6”. We like the Big6 because of all the support materials and it is well-known and our teachers relate well to it. However, in addition to focus on the cognitive domain, we incorporate the other domains identified by Kuhlthau, the affective and the physical…very key in the overall scheme. I think kids need to understand that we understand how over-whelming and frustrating the research process is and that what they experience throughout the process is normal and inevitable if they are doing it right. I think this aspect is somewhat overlooked in the other models and I would urge anyone to take a look at how Kuhlthau’s work can really add dimension to whatever model you may be using.

Sue Ballard

12/17 Yes...Linda. Both IIM and the Big6 have changed since they began. I've used both and I agree, our students produced great projects with both. However, many teacher put the emphasis on the projects (videos, brochures, cd's, video tapes, powerpoints, etc.). We see these done ad infinitum in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. When the students use the Big6, we feel that they put more time developing their information literacy skills of searching effectively, refining searches, learning about authoritative sources, etc. instead of creating projects that are often discarded after they are graded. I think that any teacher who is doing effective research with students could use either method, but I believe that the Big6 is the method that is scientifically based, better known and more frequently used. Alice Getchell, M.Ed. 12/17 Linda Smart IM has evolved during the past 10 years and looks vastly different from the original concept. We use IIM in our district and take it to the next level by using index cards instead of the IIM papers…it is a great framework to organize any research project, much in the same way as Big 6. Many teachers modify how they use the IIM resources. As for project based…I went to a workshop where work of a high school student from the Bahamas was presented and the student had used the IIM method…project based learning…incredible results. This was a senior project to move on to college. Projects can be anything from videos, reports, brochures, PowerPoint…anything that you can imagine to share your research. (Kind of like what a one would need to do in the work world). We also have a common works cited or bibliography format put together by district librarians—needs a revision, but all, elementary through high school use. You can see it at: @http://www.dover.k12.nh.us/hornelibrary

As you can tell I am a big fan…you can easily match up with the Big 6.

12/17 We no longer use the IIM method. It was developed in our school district by two elementary teachers years ago, who left teaching to bring their product on the road. We used the IIM in our district for a while but found it to be too elementary and project oriented. As a result, the librarians, along with the district curriculum committee, explored other options. About 10 years ago, the SRMS School Board unanimously voted to adopt the Big6 @http://www.big6.com/kids/7-12.htm research process. This research program was developed by two college/university librarians and is the only one that has scientific research behind it. Overall, I think the Big6 is a better program. It is a universal k-12 program that is better known throughout the country. Some of the students transferring into our school district have used this prograrm in other schools. It's web-supported with many print and non-print resources. It is more process-oriented, allowing students to develop skills and strategies to be lifelong achievers and problem solvers. Please feel free to contact me for more information. Alice Getchell, M. Ed.Sanborn Regional Middle School

> From: "Ginna Schonwald" < virginia@metrocast.net > > To: nhema@lists.nhema.net > Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 5:28:35 PM > Subject: Re: [NHEMA] Research > > I am at a preK-8 school and we are hoping to adopt IIM (the Independent > Investigation Method) > schoolwide. This is a seven step research process which is very > thorough, and allows for > growth through the grade levels. I went (with a classroom teacher) to a > training for trainers > this fall and am now talking to teachers to set up some "model lessons" > that we can use > when we train the rest of the staff next fall. > This is more about process than about specific requirements. But we > hope to start with it in > K and use it all the way through 8th grade, so that students really get > a good grasp on how to do > research before they move on to high school. This was partly motivated > by a 7th grade science > teacher who was really discouraged by the quality of work she was > getting from her students. > She has used it this fall with her students and has found a big > difference. > IIM is very flexible and allows students (and teachers) to break > research down into manageable > bites. > Ginna Schonwald > Deerfield Community School > > >12/16 > Good morning.... > > > >We are exploring setting some sort of research guidelines > >that will become the norm for all classes at our school > >that do research. > > > >Does anyone out there have something similar in their > >schools? We are just beginning....thinking of things like > >requiring certain formats, use of certain resources....just > >brainstorming what might work as we are discouraged with > >what happens in our school. > > > >The committee consists of representatives from most subject > >areas.... > > > >Any ideas or experiences to share? > > > >Thank you - > > > >Lesley Perkins > >ConVal High School > >Peterborough NH 03458