Prompt 2

     The first research project I remember doing was in elementary school. I was in 2nd grade. My science teacher assigned us to research and write a paper about our favorite animal. I chose to write about sharks because when I was younger I was very fascinated by sharks

     From what I remember, my class and I walked to the school library and picked out books on the animals of our choice. I was never taught about the research process when I was little. I was given a book and took it upon myself to do the rest. 

     I recall enjoying the research project very much because I was researching a topic I was fascinated by. I typically, and genuinely enjoy research when it is about a topic I enjoy. This has proven to be true for my entire education from 2nd grade until now. Motivation comes from interest. 

     

Essay on Engrade Questions

     The last time I was assigned a research project was in my sophomore year in journalism. The assignment was to write an investigative journalism paper. To complete the assignment, I had to follow a step-by-step process.

     The first step of the process was to pick a topic. My teacher allowed everyone in the class to select their own topics. I work better when I am able to choose a topic, especially when I have prior knowledge on the topic. I decided to write my paper on the carcinogens in fast food preservatives. The next step was to research the topic. This was not easy, because there were not many credible sources. Another difficulty was citing the sources, specifically formatting the citation into the paper. The actual citing was simple after my teacher showed me Easybib.com. The final process was to draft, draft, draft, and draft until perfection. The repetitive drafting process is very importing because every draft brings you closer to perfection.

     Though I faced a few difficulties, such as finding credible sources, and citing them properly, I genuinely enjoyed working on this assignment, because it gave me the opportunity to expand on something I love: journalism. In hindsight, this assignment also gave me a bit of background knowledge of College Research Skills as well. 

What are you thirsting to learn? Why?

What connections did you make between today’s lesson and your own personal experiences?

What was an idea/ experience that came up today that you think should be “trashed”? Why?

What was the most important thing you learned today? Why was it important? How was it the same as or different from what you already knew?

What was the CORE IDEA of the whole lesson? What makes it “core”? How did it relate to what you already know?

What were some general things you learned today? specific things? How were they the same as or different from what you already know?

What were some reactions you had to the information we addressed today (e.g., surprises, conflicts, regrets? joys? etc.)?

What did you notice about your thinking when working on the hands-on activity?

When did you realize that you could use other resources to help solve your information need? When did you realize that you needed other resources?

How did you go about evaluating....? What did you focus on when evaluating?

What evidence can you offer that shows your commitment to being accurate? seeking accuracy?

What evidence can you offer that shows your commitment to being clear? seeking clarity?

What evidence can you offer that shows stick-to-it-ness (persistence) even when the task was hard or unclear?

When did you want to give up? What did you do to prevent it?

How did others’ ideas differ from yours? How were differences discussed/addressed?