1. Techniques for Subject Exploration
By: Jean Browning
02/05/2015
Edu-225
Professor: David Larson

2. Gather and Organize Information
Gather information
Read textbooks, articles, newspapers, encyclopedias, and academic Journals
Listen to pod casts, radio, and audio books
Watch documentaries, news, and video clips
Organize information
Ask the 5 ‘W’s’ questions [who, what, when, where, and why]
Listing
Clustering
Outlining
Documenting resources

3. Modes of Gathering information
Electronic Material * Computer/laptop * IPod * Phone * Tablets Physical Material * Library * Textbooks * Magazines * Newspapers * Journals

4. What are the ‘5 W’s’? Who is involved? What is it about?
When did it take place?
Where did it happen?
Why did this happen?

5. Listing
Create a list of ideas/questions about a subject your wish to explore. “Listing ideas—a technique sometimes known as brainstorming—is a good way to figure out what you know and what questions you have.” (Hacker, 2009, Pg. 13)

6. Clustering
Use a cluster diagram to organize the topic and illustrate how each subtopic relates to one another. You can also utilize cluster diagrams and fill in the ‘5 w’s’ questions. This technique allows you to have more control over the organization of ideas.

7. Outlining 1. Who can use an outline? a) While taking notes a) Students
b) When creating stories, essay, and reports
b) Teacher
4. Where can we create an outline?
2. What is an outline?
a) Handwritten in a notebook
a) Organization tool
b) Word processing application software
b) A format listing main topics & subtopics
5. Why should we create outlines?
a) To organize thoughts
3. When can we use an outline?
b) Connect and visualize main ideas

8. Documenting Resources
Use citation whenever you decide to paraphrase or quote a resource. This gives credit to the authors of subjects you are learning about, and you avoid plagiarism. Format references for the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Modern Language Association (MLA) please reference to Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL)

9. References Hacker, Diana. (2009). Rules for writers. Sixth edition.
Bedford/St. Martin’s. Page 13.
The Purdue OWL. Purdue U Writing Lab, Web. Date of access
February 7,