Lesson 18: Researching and Writing: Crafting Academic Papers
Learning Objectives:
- Students will understand the purpose and structure of research papers.
- Students will learn to develop research questions and conduct effective research using various sources.
- Students will be able to synthesize information from multiple sources and integrate it into their writing.
- Students will practice citing sources correctly using a chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
- Students will develop their critical thinking and analysis skills to evaluate sources and form their own conclusions.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers or pens
- Handouts with research paper guidelines, examples, and checklists (see examples below)
- Access to library resources, online databases, and credible websites
- Citation style guide (e.g., APA, MLA)
Procedure:
Part 1: Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting and Review: Greet students and briefly review previous lessons on academic writing.
- Introducing Research Papers: Explain that research papers are formal pieces of writing that investigate a specific topic or question in-depth, using evidence from credible sources.
- Purpose: Discuss the purpose of research papers, such as informing, persuading, or analyzing.
Part 2: Research Process (20 minutes)
- Developing Research Questions: Guide students in formulating clear and focused research questions.
- Choosing Sources: Discuss different types of sources (books, articles, websites) and how to evaluate their credibility and relevance.
- Conducting Research: Teach students how to use library resources, online databases, and search engines effectively.
- Note-Taking: Emphasize the importance of taking organized and accurate notes, including source information for citations.
- Synthesizing Information: Explain how to identify key ideas, compare and contrast different perspectives, and draw connections between sources.
Part 3: Essay Structure and Outlining (15 minutes)
- Research Paper Outline: Present a basic outline for a research paper:
- Introduction:
- Introduce the topic and provide background information.
- State the research question or thesis statement.
- Body Paragraphs:
- Each paragraph should focus on a specific point or argument.
- Use topic sentences to introduce the main idea of each paragraph.
- Provide evidence and analysis from your research to support your claims.
- Use transitions to connect ideas smoothly.
- Conclusion:
- Summarize the main findings of your research.
- Restate your thesis statement or answer your research question.
- Offer insights, implications, or suggestions for further research.
- Introduction:
- Guided Practice: Have students create an outline for a research paper on a chosen topic.
Part 4: Writing and Citation (20 minutes)
- Drafting: Have students begin writing their research papers, following their outlines and incorporating the information they gathered.
- Citation: Explain the importance of citing sources correctly to avoid plagiarism. Review the chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) and provide examples of in-text citations and reference lists.
- Guided Practice: Have students practice citing sources correctly in their writing.
Part 5: Revision and Editing (Next Class)
- Peer Review: Have students exchange papers and provide feedback on content, organization, language use, and citation accuracy.
- Revision: Encourage students to revise their papers based on feedback.
- Final Submission: Collect the final drafts of the research papers.
Example Handouts:
- Research Paper Guidelines: A comprehensive guide outlining the research process, essay structure, and citation guidelines.
- Sample Research Paper: A well-written research paper on a relevant topic to serve as a model.
Differentiation:
- Support: Provide more structured outlines, sentence frames, and vocabulary lists for struggling students. Break down the research process into smaller steps.
- Challenge: Encourage advanced students to explore more complex research questions, use a wider variety of sources, and incorporate different research methodologies.
Outro:
Writing research papers is a valuable skill that helps you develop critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. By mastering the research process and applying academic writing conventions, you can contribute to the body of knowledge in your field and make a difference in the world.
