Developing Student Researchers Part 1 Dr. Gene and Ms. Tarfa Al- Naimi Research Skills Development Unit Education Institute

Research Skills Development Unit Goals of this Workshop To gain a broader understanding of student research To learn specific strategies for initiating student research, for shaping and refining research ideas, for collecting and analyzing data, and for reporting and sharing research To become acquainted with digital tools and resources that can enhance the teaching of research

Research Skills Development Unit What is research?

Research Skills Development Unit What is Research? “ Research is diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, applications...” Creating new knowledge!

Research Skills Development Unit What is research? Paper Research/Library Research Definition: Given a topic, search for information on that topic and summarize what you find. Example: Write a report on global warming. Advantages: Teaches student how to search for information, how to evaluate information (ICT Literacy), and how to summarize and synthesize information Disadvantages: Students copy information or knowledge rather than creating it.

Research Skills Development Unit What is research? Scientific Research Definition: Given a topic or question, systematically investigate that topic to discover new information, facts, or principles. Example: What do secondary students think about having to do community service? Advantages: Teaches students how to create new knowledge; empowers them to study issues that are important to them Disadvantages: Takes a lot of one-on-one or small group instruction; and not all students are interested

Research Skills Development Unit Who is responsible for teaching research? What research skills should be taught at each grade? (7-12) Should all students be expected to do research? A school-wide research model may help answer these questions.

Research Skills Development Unit Enquiry Cycle 1. Getting Ideas and Motivating Students 3. Collecting and Analyzing 2. Defining and Shaping Ideas 4. Reporting and Sharing Ideas

Research Skills Development Unit Workshop Schedule Nov 2Getting Ideas and Motivating Students Nov 16Defining and Shaping Ideas Nov 30Collecting Data Dec 21Analyzing Data; Reporting and Sharing Ideas All sessions will be from 3:00 – 5:00 pm

Research Skills Development Unit Moving from Teacher-Centered to Student-Centered Research Structured Enquiry Teacher directed Leading Supported Enquiry Teacher and students Supporting Open Enquiry Student directed Encouraging

Research Skills Development Unit What do we expect from you? That you will go back to your schools and try out some of the strategies and activities that we present in the workshop, and let us know what happened.

Research Skills Development Unit Where do research ideas come from? Should we give students the research topics? Should we get the topics from the students?

Research Skills Development Unit Where do research ideas come from? The Curriculum The Local Culture The Student

Research Skills Development Unit The Curriculum

Research Skills Development Unit The Local and Regional Culture Thinking green Green issues to top agenda at finance meeting Web posted at: 10/26/2008 4:40:23 Source ::: The Peninsula DOHA 'Green Economy' will take centre stage at the upcoming Doha Global Conference on Financing for Development THE NATION|ENVIRONMENT Reinforcement measures around Dubai's coastline should be taken to avoid any damage from rising sea levels caused by climate change. Climate Change Could Affect Dubai Coastline Radically

Research Skills Development Unit The Students What issues or topics are students interested in? How can we find out?

Research Skills Development Unit Strategies for Getting Ideas from Students Desert Island Objects You are getting sent to this desert island! You can only take six items with you. They can be practical items to help you survive. They can be items that remind you of what you are leaving behind. Work in small groups discussing your reasons. Work with whole class to list all of the items and discuss similarities and differences. End goal: What’s important to students. How can this information be used to start a research project?

Research Skills Development Unit Strategies for Getting Ideas from Students Future Autobiography Provide photos of seniors in the community – a family member or famous person. Write a group autobiography about this person. What was their live like? What experiences did they have? Pretend the year is You are 60 years old! Write your life story. What did you do? What did you accomplish? This activity can give you insights into what students value and what they want to achieve.

Research Skills Development Unit Strategies for Getting Ideas from Students Data Race Come up with a group question. Examples: How many bottles of water are consumed in Doha each day? How many new cars are added to the highways in Qatar each year? How quickly can we find out? Teacher decides how much help to give (e.g., suggesting sources of information, where to look) Turn students loose. Give an award to the student who can find the information first, and explain how he/she got the information. Use this activity to raise questions about the accuracy and sources of information. How can this be redirected into a research activity?

Research Skills Development Unit For more ideas... Go to Enquiring Minds Website

Research Skills Development Unit What traits must students have to be successful in research? Curiosity Ability to ask good questions Skepticism... don’t believe everything you read, see, or hear Ethical... play by the rules? Critical thinking skills

Research Skills Development Unit Thank you for listening! If you have questions about research or need additional information, feel free to contact me. Dr. Gene Office Phone: Mobile: Tarfa Office Pone: 456-0l69