Wishing

The Big 6 divides this part of the research process into two parts.  The first part is to judge the product and the second is to judge the process.  In Wishing, I first think about the project but then think about where I could go from here...


I really struggled with this project at first because I am a very indecisive person.  I wanted to research so many different topics.  I again struggled during the wiggling phase because I had so many resources, and I wasn't sure where I was going.  For example, there have been hundreds of challenged books, but which ones would I research and which ones wouldn't I research?  I made this decision by choosing books that I was personally interested in and ones that have recently been on ALA's challenged list.  


A student of mine was doing a Livebinder for his research project, and I decided to do one for mine.  I can honestly say that the binder helped me during the Weaving process as I organized my information into a meaningful way.  For example, by creating subtabs, I was able to include information from the author and my own thoughts, which helped me evaluate the book I was researching.  


Kuhlthau's ISP gives several feelings for the wishing stage, including disappointment.  If I had to redo this project, I would focus more on one individual book or author.  For example, because I chose so many books, I didn't have time to read the entire book of Crank.  I think my project would have had more depth if I could have just concentrated on Ellen Hopkins or another author of YA literature. 


My experience, I believe, is not similar to many of the kids at my school, because most of our students are still given controlled research assignments.  I believe that with my new understanding of this process, I will be able to model it more effectively to the students.   

Personal connection...final thoughts

What I probably learned most about this project is that research is a living activity, not a fixed, linear process.  What I think I'm setting out to research might not be what I end up with in the end.  Before I began this assignment, I looked at research as finding a topic, taking notes, and doing a project.  What this has taught me is that as you research, take notes, and even work on a project, the inquiry is constantly evolving.  I see my final project as something that I could potentially add to constantly.  
The biggest issue I continue to struggle with is cutting corners.  For example, the first and last steps of the process I wanted to rush through because I was so concerned with the final product.  I have to remember that the research process is kind of like a good story.  Yes, the end is important and should be exciting; but it's how the character arrives to the end...that's what makes the story.  

Waving

http://www.livebinder.com/play/present?id=305887

Here's the link to my project

Technology and assessment

For my technology component, I used a Livebinder.  You can make your own at livebinders.com
For my assessment component, I created a quiz at quizstar.4teachers.org

Standards Connection

EL.8.3.7 2006 Literary Criticism: Analyze a work of literature, showing how it reflects the heritage, traditions, attitudes, and beliefs of its author. In my livebinder, each tab comes with a "what the author says" and "in my own words" subtab.  In these subtabs, I expose information that helps us understand the author's purpose in writing the book.  I also offer an interpretation in my own words.

Dissonance

I'm working hard on my project, and I'm surprised at how my research evolves with each day.  In our reading on Constructivism, Callison describes the idea of "dissonance," where the student becomes aware that more information is needed.  As I work on my project, I find myself constantly returning to my research, looking for the missing pieces to make it a complete piece.  For example, I had taken notes on The Chocolate War but hadn't found anything about Robert Cormier.  As I was working on the project, I returned to my sources and found some quotes that fit along with my inquiry to the book.
--Written on 2/10

Wrapping #2

Audience:  I want this to be a source for students and librarians to use to find out more about the books that have been challenged.  

Possible products: brochure, bibliography, webpage

After considering the possible options and looking at the information that I've gathered, I've decided to use a livebinder.  Pretty cool tool if you're interested.  www.livebinders.com =)