Grade 6 - Media Literacy
Strategic Searching & Critical Thinking
Curriculum Expectations (Overall & Specific)
Overall:
1. demonstrate an understanding of a variety of media texts;
Specific: Responding to and Evaluating Texts
1.3 evaluate the effectiveness of the presentation and treatment of ideas, information, themes, opinions, issues, and/or experiences in media texts
(Ministry of Ed., 2006, p.117).
Ontario Language Arts Curriculum, Grades 1-8 (Revised)Lesson Overview
Students will learn about effective and efficient online searches and how to use a variety of searching strategies rather than relying on a single source (verify that the information is credible). Students will learn a five-step method for planning and conducting an online search. Students will then apply what they have learned in determining the benefits of a research topic or question that will guide their online search.
Commons Sense Education, 2015.
Minds On - Engage Student Learning
Encourage students to review their prior knowledge and contribute to a whole-group discussion. As a class we will co-create a mind map during this brainstorming activity.
Teacher prompt: What steps can help you find what you’re looking for when you search online?
To encourage use of technology in the classroom students we would utilize the Coggle Mind Mapping Tool on the SmartBoard.
Action: Refined Searched and the 5Ws
This inquiry will give students an opportunity to participate in small group discussions (mixed ability groups). Talking points will be based on online searches that students have performed and how "a search plan might help them apply...searching strategies....[that are] more effective (Vocabulary Word) and efficient (Vocabulary Word)".
Commons Sense Education, 2015, PDF of Lessons.
Following these small group discussion students will be asked to share their ideas (refined search strategies) with the whole class. As a class we will review the information and meet at the SmartBoard to list and discuss the student generated strategies. This transition will allow the teacher to model a 5 step SEARCH plan that focuses on research questions and search engine optimization (Keywords of Terms).
Select research questions and search tools
Show students how a guided research question that highlights the idea(s) or concept(s) they would like to search can help them select more appropriate and map their search plan using relevant search engines/tools.
Image adapted from http://www.markohrgetic.com/images/search-engines1.jpg
Extract keywords and terms.
Image adapted from http://www.pitstopmedia.com/sem/images/search-query-words-are-bolded.png
Apply search strategies
This information will be reviewed in a T-chart and analyzed as a class.
Image adapted from http://www.collegestudentsjobs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/data-entry-jobs.jpg
Run your search.
Multiple searches will give students the needed practice they will need to refine their strategies and source multiple methods to retrieve online information.
Image adapted from http://media02.hongkiat.com/optimizing-online-presence-for-jobs/internet-search.jpg
CHart your search.
Graphical organizer gives students the means to document and jot down their search history.
Chart adapted from Think Literacy, Library Research, p.22
Consolidation - Review Effective Search Strategies
Have students recall the 5 steps of a search plan.
SELECT research questions
EXTRACT keywords and terms
APPLY search strategies
RUN your search
CHART your search
Prompt: The following critical thinking question gives students an opportunity to discuss "why is it important to have a search plan?"
"Students should realize that thinking through their search before they begin should lead to a more effective and efficient search" (research topic).
Commons Sense Education, 2015, PDF of Lessons (Strategic Searching p.4-5).
Extended Learning - Next Steps
Adapted from Kathy Shrock's Website
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