Asking the Right Question
By Elizabeth Swartz

For the reproducible click here. PDF 37KB

Elementary children are excited to come to the library to "do research." Often, however, they don't understand what they seek. We know students need training in generating ideas, questions and problems that help them to focus on the information sought. In research, the main idea is a question rather than a statement. That difference can confuse students.

A clear focus. We can develop this ability to focus beginning with the youngest students, who can be asked to repeat directions or explain them in a different way. Encourage students to ask for detailed clarification on assignments so they learn to pinpoint a target: "Does the experiment report need to include specific measurements as well as steps?"

Students ultimately need to be able to go to the library knowing that their topic is koalas, but the specific question they must answer is, "What do koalas eat that is disappearing?"

The grocery list approach. To prepare students to do this, we can compare research to a grocery list. When shopping for food, we know which items we need, so we know where to look.

You can set up practice situations for your students by using the reproducible on the next page. As an introduction, you may want to fill out one on a particular topic and reproduce it for the entire class. Ask the class to brainstorm what sub-topics they might need to research in order to answer the actual question.

Ask your librarian for sets of encyclopedias to be sent to your room and have groups of students choose a sub-topic to research. Have them write only key words or phrases related to the topic – no complete sentences. The source should be noted next to the information.

Using the reproducible. If you have young students, you might begin by filling in the topic and sub-headings such as: Biography – President, state of origin, political party, years in office, greatest achievement.

In early assignments, this piece of paper could be the sole requirement. In later assignments it can be the first step in completing a research paper. You might expect students to produce such a list as an organizational outline.

You can also use the reproducible with word problems or reading comprehension questions. Before reading, students can write the questions on their slip so they can fill in answers as they come to them in the text.

Knowing exactly what they're looking for will help your students' research. It will simplify the search, speed up the process and insure success today and in the future.

For the reproducible click here. PDF 37KB

Elizabeth Swartz is librarian at Watsontown Elementary School and Turbotville Elementary School in PA.