Information skills - Stage 3

The odd/even year unit plan has weakened the sequential continuum of skill development.  Because of this, and the  OC intake, there is major orientation / consolidation of skills at the beginning of the year for all Year 5 classes, to optimise the continuum of skill development. The first research task is the time to assess notetaking, and work with remedial groups until the skill is demonstrated. Later in the year, the GOLD unit provides an opportunity for more specific skill development.  Review and orientation can happen again at the beginning of Year 6 for mainstream classes, to ascertain skills are developing and capture new students. Finally, at the end of Year 6, the Australian history competition provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate independence and competence, (or the need for more guidance)

For that first HSIE topic in the year, teachers need to slow down the process at the beginning, and book in a series of sessions with the TL. The following sessions can be requested. Some only take five minutes instruction during a research session; others take a couple of sessions over two or three days. Homework tasks may also be set.
 

 Skill development support from teacher-librarian

   Defining
  • What is my purpose? 
  • Why do I need to find this out? 
  • What are the key words and ideas?
    		•
    • Create concept maps - variety of sample proformas, or ..
    • Develop focus questions
    • To investigate – Inspiration / Kidspiration software (internet trial)

       Locating
     
  • What do I already know? 
  • What do I still need to find out?
  • What sources and equipment can I use? 

    •  
    • Brainstorm possible sources, discuss need for using a range
    • Revise the difference between OASIS subject headings and keywords
    • Demonstrate use of key word strings for internet search engines
    • Evaluation criteria for websites
    • State / Mitchell library visit? [Gold Year 5 / Aust history Year 6]

      • .
      Year 6
    • Bibliography practice - rotate small groups through different media
    • Use Boolean searching in OASIS   [government]
    • Stanton Library visit - local studies and archives [Aust history]

       Selecting
     
  • What information can I leave out? 
  • How relevant is the information? 
  • How credible is the information?
  • How will I record information I need? 

    •  
    • Review notetaking - handy hints
    • Review bibliography format for a book
    • Assessment task before first research job - students demonstrate ability to take notes from a page 

      •      - TL to mark, becomes first notetaking worksample in portfolio
           - form a remedial group of students who need guided practice
    • Bring class set dictionaries to this session, begin glossary by checking new words, attach to notes for marking
    • Record bibliographic details using information on photocopied text
    • Students compile research folder, hand in notes, draft writing etc
    • Cultural bias slide show (e.g. Year 6 Pacific rim)
      Organising
     
  • Have I enough information? 
  • Do I need to use all this information?
  • How can I best combine information from different sources? 

    •  
    • Take notes from two sources in two colours (guided, using photocopies) Second source used to find new facts, no repetition. TL can mark

      •  
    • Take notes from text (multiple copies or photocopy) then watch video and ADD to notes

      •  
    • Small groups. Each group member takes notes from a different source. Meet in groups to share and compare.

      • Every student takes second set of combined notes, following discussion.
       
    • Take notes from two sources, separately. Combine to form a new, reorganised set of notes
      Presenting
     
  • What will I do with this information?
  • With whom will I share this? 
    		•
       
      Assessing
     
  • Did I fulfil my purpose? 
  • How did I go? 

    •    - with each step of the process? 
       - presenting the information?
  • Where do I go from here? 
    		•
    • Informal report backs, small group discussions
    • Reflective journal
     
    IN SHORT - see summary for lesson checklist

     

    May Gibbs Memorial Library  |  Neutral Bay Public School


    Guided research activity for students not yet at independent stage. Year 6,  prior to Australian history competition
    [observation has shown some students settle with one resource, don't display interest in wide reading and viewing]

    Brainstorm sources
    Notetaking review, a couple of paragraphs photocopied
    Book - thorough (multiple copies)
    More books ?
    Reference - Encyclopedia
    Internet
    Pictures and charts
        Download at least one to folder
        Scan at least one, be trained and train another
    Video
    Dictagloss
    Public library
    Primary sources