1. I-SEARCH PAPER PROCESS Or how I learned to love writing research papers.

2. Reflective Essay (5% of course grade)  This paper is your first foray into the process.  In it you write about what you want to be when you grow up and why.  Telling a story is paramount. Tell the story of when and where and why you first knew you wanted to pursue a certain occupation/career.  Answering the questions from the handout helps.  Generating material you can use to keep the “I” in your I-search paper is required!

3. Observation Essay (10% of course grade)  This paper becomes the first outside source for your I-search paper.  Think of it as field research, a chance to create a source instead of retrieving it from the Library or the Internet.  Think of it as a chance to learn from a professional who is doing as close to what you want to do as you can find.

4. HOW to look for ADDITIONAL Sources  Develop a Research Question similar to the one in the “How to Write an I-search Paper” handout.  e.g. How do I become an Architect?  Develop sub-questions to help you determine definable tasks and goals. (Take Education as an example.)  What type of schooling will it take for me to become an architect?  What training or certification will I need?  What kind of ongoing training or qualifications will I need to remain an architect?

5. PLACES to look for ADDITIONAL Sources  Library (NWACC or other physical library)  Reference texts (non-circulating)  Books (circulating)  Periodicals (magazines, newspapers or journals)  Databases (subscription services paid for through our library and accessed through the library portal.  CD-ROM, VHS or DVD (Audio-Visual Sources)  Virtual Libraries  NetLibrary (See Ackerman handout)  Ebrary (See Ackerman handout)

6. Places to look for Sources (cont.)  Internet  Occupation Outlook Handbook.  Blogs by individuals in the profession with clear experience and credentials.  Professional organization web sites.  Personal web sites, as long as the professional qualifications and experience are listed.  Articles in online magazines, newspapers or journals.

7. Places to look for Sources (cont.)  Other  Interview a professional.  Talk to teachers in the equivalent program here at NWACC or any college or university.  Find program brochures, flyers or newsletters that describe a program you wish to enter.  Use class lecture notes from a course in your major.  Look for government documents in your local public library.  Look for TV shows, Films or podcasts on your topic.

8. Annotated Bibliography (15% of course grade) (see separate PowerPoint on my web site)  This is an alphabetized list of sources with paragraphs after each source that…  summarize the content,  assess the source’s relevance, recentness and reliability and then  reflect on how you will use the source in your paper.  Annotations are written in complete sentences and paragraphs to help you digest your information and plan where to use it in your I-Search paper.

9. I-Search Paper Writing Suggestions  Keep track of the “I” in your paper.  Avoid the implied “you.”  Avoid the general set of instructions for anyone to become an architect, doctor, etc.  Remember to blend your sources with YOUR thoughts, ideas, comments and reactions.

10. The FINISHED I-search paper (20% of your course grade!)  Reflective Essay +  Observation +  Other Sources = Completed I-Search paper