Thematic Analysis Research Paper - English 11: Part 2 –Advanced Database Searching and Source Cards
Submitted by klehman on Sat, 03/05/2011 - 22:57
Created By:
Kathy Lehman
Title/Role:
Head Librarian
Organization/School Name:
Thomas Dale High School
Location:
Virginia
Grade Level:
11
Type of Lesson:
Lesson in a unit
Type of Schedule:
Flexible
Collaboration Continuum:
Intensive
Content Area:
Language Arts
Content Topic:
British Literature. To locate print and subscription database resources supporting a thesis statement.
Scenario:
This lesson focuses on location and access of online resources. It is part two of a unit in which the librarian collaborates with an English teacher to prepare students to write an in depth thematic analysis paper on a novel or play of their choice. To ensure student success the teacher and librarian plan their instruction in tandem and intersperse six ninety minute library periods with classroom periods of instruction. Before coming to the library the teacher has instructed the students in the proper formatting of source cards. In this lesson, the librarian will instruct students in information access, evaluation of sources and citing online sources. The focus is on online eBooks and subscription databases. Previous to this lesson, students spent two library periods consulting print resources. The final two days of library time will be allocated for students to take notes and revise strategies as needed to fill gaps in their research. The library is open before and after school as well as through the online website to support student research. Synthesizing information and writing will take place after the library periods are completed.
Overview:
In a unit to write a thematic research paper for English, students will analyze their thesis and come up with a list of keywords and terms to use in advanced searches on the library's online databases. The essential question for this lesson is: How can I use my knowledge of subscription databases and various search strategies to locate critical articles on my thesis topic?
Final Product:
Students generate results lists using their search terms and create source cards for each source they determine supports their thesis. The source cards (minimum of 10) will be collected by the teacher for grading.
Library Lesson:
● Students will learn to generate questions on their novel or play to add to their keyword base and direct their research.
● Students will learn to use keywords from their thesis statement and novel to locate critical analysis articles on their topic.
● Students will learn to persist in revising their search terms as needed to generate an appropriate results list for their topic.
● Students will learn to make source cards from the sources they identify as supporting their thesis.
Estimated Lesson Time:
120 minutes
Have you taught this lesson before:
Yes
Strategies for differentiation:
For students with physical disabilities, the databases provide audio access and enlarged text. The keyboard helps those with fine motor disabilities. Much of the information gathering and citation collection can be done as point and click with the mouse. Online resources need to be introduced with the abilities of students in mind. Begin with the simpler resources and then introduce the more difficult ones. In this lesson we begin with an eBook where each student has the same format, then use a high school level database followed by a college level resource. Even these bright, honors level, students can be overwhelmed with too many choices and intimidating result lists.