I-Search+Strategy




 * Directions:** //As a team, you will be responsible for compiling the information below about your inquiry strategy. Next week, your group will provide a 5-7 minute overview of your strategy for the class.//


 * Name and Description of your strategy (mention any variations of your strategy as well): **


 * I-Search** is a way to conduct a research that advances the power of student interests, builds a personal understanding of the research process, and encourages stronger student writing. While personal interest is key, the method of research also encourages metacognitive thinking. This method of research intertwines effective teaching with content knowledge and assessment.

Examples of variations: KWL Chart, video book talk, book report, VoiceThread, podcast, iMovie, Glogster


 * Inquiry Process associated with your strategy: **

Consult both primary and secondary sources.

__ Four Tasks of I-Search __
 * Select a topic - students will engage in an array of activities to encourage inquiry and background knowledge
 * Find information - develop a search plan, generate questions, explore resources
 * Use information - gather, analyze, take notes of data found
 * Develop a final product - draft, revise, edit and publish an I-Search report, and communicate/share experience

How technology is connected: research purposes (internet), one-to-one laptop initiative; tools to incorporate strategy: FlipCams, microphones, Vokki, Glogster, etc.


 * Description of the Product or Products resulting from the inquiry process associated with your strategy: **

The product would result in a stronger, meaningful voice because the researcher is able to investigate in what is significant to them. The inquiry process allows for a thorough analysis of the researched topic, as the researcher will contemplate on what they already know, what they would like to know, and what they learned.

If you wish, you can divide your paper into four parts:
 * 1) What I knew and didn't know about my topic when starting out
 * 2) Why I'm writing this paper. Here is where the real me should show up. The writer demonstrates the search may make a difference in his/her life
 * 3) The search
 * 4) What I learned or didn't learn

A good way to organize and I-search paper is to simply tell the story of what you did in your search in the order of its happening.


 * Descriptions of Examples and Links to examples when possible (when you include a link to an example, provide a brief annotation / description of the example -- not just a link): **

The author of the paper followed the criteria of an I-Search paper and filled in their information.
 * [|Sample I-Search Paper]**

Similar to a KWL chart, but in paragraph form. An addition of a search is also prevalent, which may include an interview.
 * [|I-Search Paper Format Guide]**


 * Resources consulted related to your strategy: **


 * http://virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/isearch.htm


 * http://www2.edc.org/FSC/MIH/i-search.html


 * 1-2 additional inquiry-based learning strategies we like (name and describe briefly): **
 * The following website offers a learning diagram that can better aid the writing process. Additionally, it scaffolds the steps that are required to meet the needs of the search and provided in-depth procedures for searching. http://www.worksheetlibrary.com/teachingtips/inquiry.html
 * This website is very teacher and student friendly in its ability to express the importance of using the strategy of WebQuest. The site provides a variety of resources that can better enable the student as well as providing information about the dangers of the internet. http://www.eduscapes.com/sessions/travel/