1. International Studies Charter School
Research paper guide

2. Why do a research paper?
Requires a student to closely and critically read and evaluate multiple sources
Builds written organizational skills, as well as ability to effectively synthesize information (much like the FSA and AP exams)
Helps deepen a student’s understanding of a topic ( particularly helpful in courses that may seem dense to students)
Teaches students time management skills
Prepares students for the kind of work that is expected in college (cheers to post-secondary success!)

3. Obstacles
It can be difficult to grade several dozen papers, especially if you’re not sure where to start
82% of teachers would agree with you*
It can be time-consuming to grade all of your students’ research papers
58% of teachers would agree with you*
*according to a 2012 study by The Concord Review

4. Let’s Do This!
The goal is to mitigate these obstacles to ensure a more successful research paper process this school year!

5. Teacher & Student Research Packets
There are two research paper packets: one for the teacher, one for the student
Teacher packet (which you have) is more streamlined
Student packet contains more activity worksheets and outlines for use at teacher discretion
Both are available on the Teacher Drive in the E-binder

6. Research Paper Guidelines for Teachers
Guidelines are available on pages 2 & 3 of the T. Packet All departments will be assigning a research paper this year Department Assignment Months Social Studies: October 2016 English: January 2017 Foreign Language: March 2017 STEM: May 2017

7. Research Paper Guidelines for Teachers continued
Modern Language Association Style (MLA)
All grades will be assigned a research paper
All grades are required to use at least one source that is a verifiable book, e-book, or peer-reviewed journal
Each grade has its own set of minimum requirements

8. Research Paper Guidelines for Teachers continued
Grade Level Minimums
Grade
No. Pages
No. Sources
6th 2 3
7th
8th 4
9th & 10th
4-6
11th & 12th
5-7 5

9. Assigning a Research Paper
Generate a list of topics for students
Determine the due dates for the papers prior to assigning them (page 2 S. Packet)
Review rubric(s) with students when assigning the paper (pages 21 & 22 of T. Packet); allot about 4 weeks to complete the final draft of the research paper (as appropriate), with interim due dates for smaller segments

10. Plagiarism Contract
All packets contain a Plagiarism Contract that should be distributed to students when assigning the research paper. (page 1 of T. Packet and S. Packet)
Be sure to go over the contract as a class, clarifying what plagiarism is, and the repercussions for plagiarizing.

11. Checking In!
Encourage discussion with students when evaluating smaller segments of the assignment! It can identify potential issues with the paper.
Hold students accountable for each step in the research paper process! They are learning how to properly manage their time on larger projects.

12. Collecting & Grading Students should: Teachers should:
Provide teacher paper copy, with rubric(s)
Upload paper on TurnItIn.com
Teachers should:
Use pre-determined rubric(s)
Comment throughout, and offer a longer reflective comment at end
Assign a weight of at least 2 test grades or equivalent in the course
Return papers in timely manner

13. What to Look For
1) Reliable, relevant sources 2) Strong thesis statement 3) Organized presentation of information and ideas 4) Correct grammar usage, and scholarly, formal writing 5) Proper MLA formatting of final draft

14. Works Cited
Works Cited index cards help students condense and organize information during research
Reviewing the sources students are using can help identify unreliable information in advance of the final paper
T. Packet pages 4-8
S. Packet pages 3-16

15. Thesis Statement
Focusing on a solid thesis statement ensures the student has a clear purpose in writing the research paper
The thesis requires the student to brainstorm ideas, research information, and choose a direction for the paper
T. Packet pages 9-10
S. Packet pages 17-30

16. Outline
The outline helps guide the student’s writing of the actual research paper, as main ideas and support are already listed
Reviewing this with the student, and offering suggestions as to how to best present information/arguments, can result in deeper understanding of material, as well as stronger organization skills
T. Packet pages 11-14
S. Packet pages 31-36

17. MLA Formatting
Following the rules of MLA formatting helps prevent plagiarism by giving credit where it is due
Students are expected to have a basic understanding of this style by the time they enter college
The uniformity of style can make it easier to grade the papers, as it becomes evident who has not followed the guidelines
T. Packet pages 15-20
S. Packet pages 37-42

18. Helpful Links
MLA Formatting: Citation Generator: Additional Research Paper Assignment Activities:

19. Questions? Comments? Concerns?