search and write: suggestions for a good writing project using the internet hideto d. harashima...
TRANSCRIPT
Search and Write:
Suggestions for a Good Writing Project Using the Internet
Hideto D. Harashima
Maebashi Institute of Technology
Introduction
Dull writing practice Importance of adopting research
projects for writing development The WWW -- rich information
resource for EFL students Most EFL students are unfamiliar
with information search in a foreign language
How should we guide them?
Seven Suggestions for a Good Search and Write Project 1. Teacher control 2. Student autonomy 3. Variety of information sources 4. Subjective over Objective information
search 5. Appropriate instruction on search
techniques 6. Appropriate selection of research
topics and methods 7. Project memo
1. Teacher control
Novice students to the Internet Disoriented and easy to go astray Class gets disorderly Sheltered research projects with
substantial teacher control is desirable
a portal site as a base CIA World Fact Book project (1)
2. Student autonomy
The essence of research -- autonomous pursuit of truth --must be fostered.
Students need to be exposed to a variety of information sources.
They need to learn the information search skills.
3. Variety of information sources Problems with one or limited
sources: critical thinking habits Media Literacy passive attitude among students plagiarism
Freedom to visit a variety of sources Autonomy and responsibility
Project (2) Project (3-0)
4. Subjective over Objective information search Objective information search
straightforward and easy Problems
doesn’t stimulate students’ motivation for intellectual investigation
doesn’t develop their search skills doesn’t foster their critical thinking
habits susceptible to plagiarism
Subjective information search elevate students’ overall research
competence encourage them to think critically urge them to create their own
views after evaluating different opinions
promotes Media Literacy
5. Appropriate instruction on search techniques
Autonomous research may end up in dismay without proper guidance on search techniques
Search techniques search directories search engines effective keywords advanced search techniques other search tools/databases research aid organizations
Some useful keywords
For objective information search
Data Numbers Records Statistics List Table Standing
Comparison Countries Facts Recent Transition Increase Decrease
For subjective information search Opinions Views Review Discussion Forum Comparison Analysis Assessment Evaluation
Criticism Critic Argument Opposition Objection Controversy Conflict Difference Repercussion
Project (3)
6. Appropriate selection of research topics and methods Not all research topics are suited for
Internet search. We need wisdom on the selection of
research topics. Awareness of the advantages and the
disadvantages of Internet research and library research in terms of effectiveness and quality of information
Suitable areas of queries for the two methods
Topics suitable for researching on the Internet and in the Library
Internet current issues statistical data frequently updated data discussion results quick data search personal information controversial issues institutions and their activities IT-related information business-related information
Library
historical or chronological events established values, thoughts,
theories, systems famous people in history works of specific areas
(literature, art, architecture, etc.) information about 3rd-world
countries academic studies in depth
7. Project Memo
Quite a few students misunderstand task objectives.
They don’t like to consult with or show their incomplete work to teachers.
What is citation about? Have students to submit an initial and
interim project memo Help them hold clearer idea about the
course of the project
Project (4)
References
Brown-Daniel Library (2001) Library Research [Online]. Available: http://www.tnstate.edu/library/library_research.htm
Dodge, B. (2001) Seven Steps Toward Better Searching [Online]. Available: http://edweb.sdsu.edu/WebQuest/searching/sevensteps.html
Nunan, D. (1992) Research Method in Language Learning, CUP. 3. Pepperdine University Library (2001) Seven Steps to Effective Library
Research [Online]. Available: http://rigel.pepperdine.edu/instruction/bisteps.html
Wilson, F. (2001) Effective Library Research [Online]. Available: http://www.nceltr.mq.edu.au/resources/
Thank you!
http://keiko.maebashi-it.ac.jp/