Using the assignment directions for their research project and a form from Choosing & Using Sources (a handout here), students decide where to look for the kinds of sources they’ll need.
Other activities in this series: Activity 3A, Information Needs; Activity 3B, Meeting Needs with Sources I; Activity 3C, Meeting Needs with Sources II; Activity 3D, Planning Your Sources; and Activity 3E, Using Source Locator.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Explain where are the best places to look for the kinds of sources they plan to use for their research projects.
Relevant Threshold Concepts
- Information creation as a process.
Suggestions for Use
- 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 Activities 3A and/or 3D and kept their partially completed Handouts 3A-1 or 3D-2, ask them to bring that handout to class for this activity. The advantage of using their partially completed handout that they will then have a single handout on which they have planned their sources.
- Handout 3F-1 must be in print.
- Students can complete Handout 3F-2 electronically or in print.
- Students will be using a resource in Choosing and Using Sources called Source Locator. Here is the link:
https://osu.pb.unizin.org/choosingsources/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/08/source-locator.pdf
- At the end of the activity, students should keep their completed Handout 3F-2 so they can refer to it as they complete their research project.
Pre-Class Preparation
- Review the handouts and the answer key for this activity.
- Review Source Locator at
- Review In-Class Procedure below.
- Look at the electronic version of Handout 3E-2 at http://go.osu.edu/planforsources
- Review the resource called Source Locator from Choosing & Using Sources at: https://osu.pb.unizin.org/choosingsources/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2017/08/source-locator.pdf
- If you decided on electronic handouts, put Handout 3F-2 in your learning management system. (Handout 3F-1 must be in print.)
- If you decided on paper copies, print Handouts 3F-1 (1 copy per student and 1 for yourself) and 3F-2 (1 copy per student and 1 for yourself) and Answer Key 3F-1 (1 copy for yourself). (Some students may bring their partially completed Handout 3A-1 or 3E-2, but it’s a good idea to be prepared for those who forget.)
- Prepare to introduce the session, using your own remarks or In-Class Procedure, if it is helpful.
- Plan on projecting Source Locator during the discussion of possible answers on the handout. Answer Key 3F-1 should also be helpful.
- Download and perhaps print In-Class Procedure and Answer Key 3F-1 so you can take them with you to class.
In-Class Procedure
- If you’re having students use printed copies of Handouts 3F-1 and 3F-2, pass them out or set them where students can pick them up as they come in.
- If you’re having students use an electronic Handout 3F-2, give them this link: http://go.osu.edu/planforsources
- Ask students to use their partially completed Handout 3A-1 or 3E-2 if they brought it. Otherwise, they can work with Handout 3F-2 as they follow the directions 3F-1.
- Give them 10 minutes to fill out the column on the handout form called Where to Look. (Students may need some examples to understand what you mean by format.)
- 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 one of the reasons you have had them complete these activities is so that they would learn that deciding on sources and where to find them is not just willy-nilly. Best sources and where to find them is an organized system. And now they have gotten a chance to understand that system.
- Tell students to keep their completed handout 3F-2 and use it as they carry out their research assignment.
Relevant Choosing & Using Sources Chapters:
Chapter 3, Sources and Information Needs.
