research

1.What were the main objectives/goals for the class?
This course is designed to help students develop critical writing, thinking, analysis and presentation skills. Students will research topics, summarize sources and organize information. To finalize this process, students will compile their findings into an educational web site, which they will enter into a national competition. Other skills students will acquire involve the basics of writing, revision, public speaking, MLA Citation and format. Students will also learn to manage academic workloads against deadlines. In a nutshell it is hoped students will gain major college bound skills!

2. What are your expectations from the students?
That they rise to the occasion by giving it their all. I expect them to produce because they are all highly capable and bring a lot of talent and skill into the arena with them!

3. Briefly describe the structure of the class? What tactics do you use to teach the material? Are there any special projects or activities?
Our structure is actually pretty loose, but the schedule and workload is demanding. I am a non-authoritarian teacher who expects the students to take charge of some of their own learning. I value collaboration, individual contribution and creativity, so I give students opportunities to contribute in those ways. The special projects all involve teamwork and self-directed planning to accomplish assignments.

4. How does this class help prepare the students for college?
You will need all that I have mentioned above to survive in college as well as many of the research skills and resources that they will be accessing in the UW library and online databases. Deadlines are a big part of surviving in college whether it is studying for a Mid-Term or registering for classes on time.

5. Describe the overall participation in the classroom?
Despite a few uncertainties, all of the students are participating and getting into the process of research! Everyone is meeting their deadlines or striving to get things done. Our Educational Web topics are: Water, Child Labor, Vietnam War Veterans, Roman Goddesses, Stress, NASA Space Station.