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.