Creating Good Search Statements
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Contents |
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Learning Objectives
Students will learn how to use search engines, the library catalog and article databases effectively. They will:
- Turn a topical sentence (thesis statement) into a search statement or statements.
- Differentiate between keyword and subject searching
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Pre-class Readings
Ask students to read the following tutorial before class. Each tutorial includes practice activities and self-test questions, and requires about 30 minutes to complete. A graded multiple-choice quiz in Carmen is also available for instructors to use on request.
Searching 101
- Link: http://liblearn.osu.edu/tutor/les4/
- Describes turning a research need into a search statement, the difference between keyword and subject searching, Boolean and mathematical operators, limiting and refining searches.
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In-class Resources
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Instructor PowerPoint Lecture
- Title: Creating Good Search Statements
- Duration: 15-25 minutes
- Link: http://liblearn.osu.edu/courses/english110/good_search_statements.ppt
- Overview: Research topic to Keywords to search statement
- Followup discussion: Finding Keywords
- Whole class discussion. Show images on screen and have class identify search terms for what is represented. Could also discuss how people would search for information (search statements) on the topic in this image. If there is a computer with overhead, instructor could try the searches live.
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Related Student Activity
Have students do this activity if this lesson is being taught separately from "Better Searching". If you are integrating the two lessons, skip to the activities in "Better Searching".
- Focus: Searching 101: Same search, different database
- Duration: 45 minutes-1 hour (including partnering work)
- Student completes a Searching Worksheet where they write their own research topic, and work out what the best search for information in 3 resources (Google, library catalog, ASC). Then partner with another student. Each will show the other how they searched and get ideas from the other student of what other kind of search to try.
- Optional movies: Advanced Google and Subject/Keyword Searching in ASC (link not yet available); students can watch before, during, or after completion of the worksheet.
Back to: English 110 Research Skills Instruction Main Page
