Assignment
Peer mind mapping for research question development
Short Description:
The lesson plan template provides a detailed description on engaging students in a peer mind mapping activity that builds on their curiosities and critical thinking along with writing a provisional research question in a social science course. There is consideration for universal design, a library assignment, and reflective practice and writing. The learning outcomes are based on Research as Inquiry and Searching as Strategic Exploration. Attachments include worksheets.
Attachments:
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 The lesson plan outline for the mind mapping workshop.displayed 4 times | 28.77 KB |
 A worksheet for students to reflect and write ideas before engaging in peer discussion.displayed 4 times | 79.57 KB |
| A worksheet for part 2 of the workshop to help with searching. displayed 2 times | 163.45 KB |
Relevant links:
Course LibGuide that uses this lesson plan. Learning Outcomes:
Research as Inquiry
- You will develop a mind map of your topic and possible ideas of investigation.
- You will brainstorm a working research topic by determining the who, what, where, and when of your topic so to determine an appropriate scope of investigation;
- You will write an initial research question based on your mind map
Searching as Strategic Exploration
- You will identify a list of keywords specific to your topic in order to retrieve relevant resources including books, articles in a library database, and popular sources for your assignment.
- You will learn to design and refine search needs and search strategies as necessary and based on search results.
Information Literacy concepts:
Individual or Group:
Ability Level:
Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated):
Workshop Context
- Social science course
- Mid or upper year
- 2 hour time allotted
Assumptions
- Background research assignment already completed
- Course has a research paper assignment in which students select topic (broad) from a list
- No more than 50-person class or if larger will need additional librarian support
- No PowerPoint slides per se and all workshop information is in the library guide.
Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.):
Suggestions
- Discuss with the instructor about scaffolding research paper assignment with a library assignment that is low stakes that follows the library workshop
- Otherwise, ensure there is time for the Reflection Exercise for students to complete at the end of the workshop.
- Room set-up: preferably round table set up, however can work in a traditional lecture room format
Librarian Preparatory Work
- Set up Padlet or other online mind mapping tool with topic and 5W framework. Post these in the LMS and/or the Library Guide for quick access.
- Bring paper and pen/markers (for students who want to engage via analog)
- Prepare a LibGuide (For example, GGRC26 Geographies of Environmental Governance Library Guide https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/ggrc26)
- If possible, ask the faculty to share or find via the LMS how many students are researching a topic.
- Set up a reflective exercise MS Form or paper format option (see example)
Suggested Citation:
Shujah, Sarah. "Peer mind mapping for research question development ." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2026. https://projectcora.org/assignment/peer-mind-mapping-research-question-development.
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