An easy-to-adapt digital breakout. I used it mainly to see how my 6th grade students constructed a search. Watching them work and analyzing the results on the Google Form gave me some insight into how I can help them become better researchers.
Via Mary Reilley Clark, Elizabeth E Charles
Earlier in the school year I taught 6th graders a short lesson about search strategies. I never like these stand alone lessons, as I don't think much sticks with a student if they're not immediately using it for a project. For their following library visit, I wanted to see what they remembered and how they'd use it. I created a digital breakout on Sites with a Form to collect their answers. Some things I learned after doing this with about 600 students:
These questions were not true research questions, yet were still difficult for students to answer. My emphasis for the rest of the year, including some things that resonated from a great search webinar by Michelle Luhtala and Tasha Bergson-Michelson will include the following:
I always tell students Google features can be like speed dates--here for a bit, then gone. Use all the features you can find to improve your search, but don't think they'll always be around. The things I want them to remember--especially thinking critically and persevering in a search-- are probably safe for a long-term commitment! Marry the strategies; date the tools!