Module 1 Lesson 2- Research Models

After working with the intermediate classes, I realized pretty early on in the year that I would need to start teaching a research model.  I first heard about them in LIBE 461.  Without doing too much research, I decided to introduce the Big6 model.  I worked mainly with the gr. 5 class and found that they were quite keen on learning about this model.  The name ‘Big6’ caught their attention right away and has helped them remember the steps.  At first, explaining the steps was a little confusing for them but I focused more on the questions that go with each step as Ben outlined in his posting.  After having gone over the steps I gave them a handout to help them with their project.  Once in a while I quiz them to see if they remember the steps and they do.  They don’t use the same language but they are able to explain each step.  Due to time constraints I haven’t been able to go over every step in depth but at least they have an idea of the process.  Next year I can always build on the base that they have.

I think that all of the models are good in their own way. As others have stated what is important is consistency across the grades.   As a whole, the staff needs to agree on the one that makes the most sense to them and for their student population and use it in their class on a regular basis.  This cannot only be the responsibility of the TL.  I see all the classes once a week for a lesson of some kind but being a French Immersion school I need to juggle two programs.  One week a teach something in English such as an author study or research skills and the following week I do a lesson in French, this year the staff agreed to do Reading Power.  They are two separate and very different programs.  It makes it very hard to teach these concepts when I see them every two weeks.  The teachers need to be going over this in class and expect the students to follow the steps.  Since most projects are done at home, parents should also have access to the steps of the model….maybe a little info night with parents could be useful.

Thanks to Hilary for sharing the BCTLA Points of Inquiry model.  I looked through it quickly and it looks really interesting.  I like how each step is broken down by grade and by Inquiry-based reading and learning.  I also like the wording used for the steps, in particular 'Connect and Wonder'.  Like Hilary said, often students don't even fully understand the research question and how to break it down into manageable chunks.  Taking the time to make connections and fully explore the topic before even looking for resources is a very important step that is often overlooked.  I think that my teachers would go for this model if I presented the entire document.  It’s clearly laid out and its BC made. I don’t think it will be hard to switch to a new model after introducing the Big6.  The process is almost the same so it’s just a matter of teaching the new language….the Big5?!