Assignment
Summarizing different perspectives on a controversial topic
Using ProQuest SIRS Issues Researcher or similar database, groups of students work together to find and read four informative magazine articles representing a variety of opinions on a topic. For each magazine article they write an MLA citation. In an oral presentation of less than three minutes per group, they summarize the controversy without giving their own opinions and explain why they chose the four articles. Students are told to be prepared to answer questions about their topic and why they selected each of the four articles. Students are given basic instruction on writing an MLA citation and using a database.
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 SIRSTopicsBlank.docxdisplayed 1098 times | 14.58 KB |
| ESL 52A SIRS Assignment.docxdisplayed 1006 times | 16.57 KB |
Develop successful search strategies appropriate for specific tools. Locate, evaluate, synthesize, organize and present credible information that fulfills the identified information need.
Information Literacy concepts:
- Defines Information Need (ACRL 1, SCONUL 1&2, ANZIL 1)
- Finds Information (ACRL 2, SCONUL 3&4, ANZIL 2&4, ANCIL 5)
- Evaluates (ACRL 3, SCONUL 5, ANZIL 3, ANCIL 4)
- Uses Information (ACRL 4, SCONUL 7, ANZIL 5, ANCIL 8&9)
- Ethics (ACRL 5, SCONUL 6, ANZIL 6, ANCIL 7)
- Authority is Constructed / Contextual (Frame 1)
- Searching as Strategic Exploration (Frame 6)
Individual or Group:
Ability Level:
Can be adapted for higher level ESL classes.
Students tend to summarize the articles rather than the controversy. Also, students tend to want to give their own opinions. It is important to stress that they are to summarize the controversy and different perspectives. I sometimes have them think of it as a work assignment. The boss is a very busy person and wants you to research the topic and provide an executive summary. It is a challenging assignment, but I have found that the students rise to the challenge.
Comments
Gets students working
Gets students working together
Great assignment -- has
Great assignment -- has students engaged in the process rather than just listening and being shown. Students rise to the occasion and definitely become involved in their controversial topic. Good to note the pitfalls, however, that Steve mentions, reminding students to summarize the entire issue rather than just the articles.