Writing A Research Paper Usha Arya Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School 1290 Ivey Ranch Road Oceanside, CA 92057

Introduction Writing research papers are essential learning experiences in every student life. You are taking first steps towards learning to do research and writing a successful and meaningful paper. Writing research papers are essential learning experiences in every student life. You are taking first steps towards learning to do research and writing a successful and meaningful paper. Web Page html Web Page html html html

Expectations This Internet based lesson will take approximately two weeks to complete. It is expected that by the end of the unit all students will: This Internet based lesson will take approximately two weeks to complete. It is expected that by the end of the unit all students will:  Use technology as a stimulus for learning  Improve web searching skills  Write a meaningful research paper

Actual Learning It took longer than two weeks to complete this lesson plan. At the end, students : It took longer than two weeks to complete this lesson plan. At the end, students : Learned to navigate through various web sites for relevant information in a meaningful way. Learned to navigate through various web sites for relevant information in a meaningful way. Knew how to take notes, write an outline and bibliography. Knew how to take notes, write an outline and bibliography. Learned to use Excel and Power point for their presentation. Learned to use Excel and Power point for their presentation.

Successes Most of the the students appeared to be engaged throughout this activity and were successful in: Most of the the students appeared to be engaged throughout this activity and were successful in: Using search engines in a meaningful way. Using search engines in a meaningful way. To read and take notes on the web and write a paper. To read and take notes on the web and write a paper. To cite sources they used. To cite sources they used.

Shortcomings Lesson was too long for two week implementation. Lesson was too long for two week implementation. Not enough or fast enough computers. Not enough or fast enough computers. Low interest in writing. Low interest in writing.

Students At Work

Student data 1

Student data 2

Data Analysis 20 multiple choice questions (pre and post test) were taken by 28 students. 20 multiple choice questions (pre and post test) were taken by 28 students. All students participated in six activities during this lesson. All students participated in six activities during this lesson. Not all students completed writing the research paper. Not all students completed writing the research paper. All students showed improvement in post testing. All students showed improvement in post testing. Students showed an average increase of 3.8 points. Students showed an average increase of 3.8 points.

Reflections Not enough computers for student to work on. Not enough computers for student to work on. Students were more excited about searching the web than in writing the paper. Students were more excited about searching the web than in writing the paper. Difficulty in engaging low achievers. They did not complete the research paper. Difficulty in engaging low achievers. They did not complete the research paper. Lesson plan took longer to complete. Lesson plan took longer to complete.

Revisions More time is taken in instructing students in basic computer skills. More time is taken in instructing students in basic computer skills. More time is needed to complete the research paper. More time is needed to complete the research paper. Incentives to complete the project will help. Incentives to complete the project will help.

Conclusion I learned many new skills and feel more confident about using technology in lesson planning I learned many new skills and feel more confident about using technology in lesson planning Students were motivated by web-based lesson plans and seem to learn more from it Students were motivated by web-based lesson plans and seem to learn more from it I plan to create more lesson plans integrating technology I plan to create more lesson plans integrating technology Working with this class was challenging and I enjoyed all of it Working with this class was challenging and I enjoyed all of it