Estimated In-Class Time 15 min
Estimated Pre-Class Time 20 min
Downloads Handout 3D-1
Handout 3D-2
Answer Key 3D-1
In-Class Procedure
Pre-Class Preparation

Using the assignment directions for their research project and a form from Choosing & Using Sources (a handout here), students plan what kinds of sources they will look for to meet the information needs they have identified.

Other activities in this series: Activity 3A, Information Needs; Activity 3B, Meeting Needs with Sources I; Activity 3C, Meeting Needs with Sources II; Activity 3E, Planning Your Sources II; and Activity 3F, Using Source Locator.

Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

  • State their reasons for looking for particular kinds of sources to meet individual information needs they have for their research assignment.

Relevant Threshold Concepts

  • Information creation as a process.

Suggestions for Use

  • At the end of the activity, students should keep their completed Handout 3D-2 so they can work on it again when doing Activities 3E, Planning Your Sources II, and 3F, Using Source Locator.
  • This activity can be used only in classes where students already have a research assignment and directions for carrying it out, particularly for how they should produce their final product. For best results, they also need to have developed a research question and need to know what their final product will be (e.g., a term paper, poster, model, etc.).
  • It is recommended that students already have done the other activities in this series or at least have read Chapter 3 of Choosing & Using Sources before doing this activity.
  • If students have done Activity 3A and kept their partially completed Handout 3A-1, ask them to bring that handout to class for this activity. The advantage of using their partially completed Handout 3A-1 is that they will then have a single handout on which they have planned their sources.
  • Handout 3D-1 must be in print.
  • Students can complete Handout 3D-2 electronically or in print.
  • At the end of the activity, students should keep their completed Handout 3D-2 so they can work on it again when doing Activities 3E, Planning Your Sources II, and 3F, Using Source Locator.

Pre-Class Preparation

  • Review the handouts and the answer key for this activity.
  • Review In-Class Procedure below.
  • Read the second section of Choosing and Using Sources, Chapter 3, Sources to Meet Information Needs.
  • Look at the electronic version of Handout 3D-2 at http://go.osu.edu/planforsources.
  • If you decided on electronic handouts, put Handout 3D-2 in your learning management system. (Handout 3D-1 must be in print.)
  • If you decided on paper copies, print Handouts 3D-1 (1 copy per student and 1 for yourself) and 3D-2 (1 copy per student and 1 for yourself) and Answer Key 3D-1 (1 copy for yourself). (Some students may be bringing their partially completed Handout 3A-1, but it is a good idea to be prepared for those who forget.)
  • Consider assigning students to read before class the second section of Choosing and Using Sources, Chapter 3, Sources to Meet Information Needs.
  • Assign students to bring their research project assignment, including directions and any other relevant material to class with them.
  • Prepare to introduce the session, using your own remarks or In-Class Procedure, if it is helpful.
  • Using Answer Key 3D-1, plan any discussion of answers on the handout.
  • Download and perhaps print In-Class Procedure and Answer Key 3D1 so you can take them with you to class.

In-Class Procedure

  1. If you’re having students use printed copies of Handouts 3D-1 and 3D-2, pass them out or set them where students can pick them up as they come in.
  2. If you’re having students use an electronic Handout 3D-2, give them this link: http://go.osu.edu/planforsources
  3. Ask students to use their partially completed Handout 3A-1 if they brought it. Otherwise, they can work with Handout 3D-2 as they follow the directions 3D-1.
  4. Give them 10 minutes to fill out the column on the handout form called Kinds of Sources (Popular, Professional, or Scholarly) that Should Meet Each Need.
  5. After about 10 minutes, go over the answers with students. Ask for and answer questions they may have. Conclude the discussion by reminding students that having to meet information needs is the reason they need sources for their research projects.
  6. Tell students to keep their handout 3D-2 if you are going to have them complete the remaining columns during Activities 3E and 3F or on their own.

Relevant Choosing & Using Sources Chapters:

Chapter 3, Sources and Information Needs.