Senior Paper... Say What?!?!
A Reference Guide To Writing A Successful Research Paper
Your senior research paper is fast approaching...
Where Should You Start?
Initiation
Selection
Exploration
Formulation
Collection
Presentation
Assessment
* You are following a "Guided Inquiry Model" which takes you through every step of the "Information Search Process." Carol Kuhlthau designed this specific model and, it works!
1. Initiate the Search...
Typical feelings: uncertainty
*Try some basic search tools to see if you can find valuable information on the subjects chosen!
2. Selection of a topic...
Typical feelings: optimism
*Try not to change your mind by this point... :)
3. Explore The subject...
Typical feelings: confusion, frustration, doubt
*This too shall pass! This will prove to be the hardest, most rewarding part!
You are almost there... your paper is going to be amazing... only a few more steps to go!
4. Formulate your plan... "My ideas are coming together!"
*Make sure you are "selling" your topic to the reader. What do you want them to gain from reading your paper? How will your paper stand out from the rest?
5. Collecting Information...
You should feel: a sense of direction, confidence
*Make sure your sources are reliable... ask a librarian for help!
6. Presentation...
"I handed in my senior paper; I have waited 13 years for this moment!"
Typical feelings: satisfaction
*Congratulations... just one more step left!
7. Assessment..
Typical feelings: sense of accomplishment
*Isn't it time to graduate? This project may have taken your mind off of that subject a bit... :)
Woohoo, you survived the Senior Paper writing project; you should be proud!
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.11-12.9 Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.