January 2007: Why Johnny Cant Search
I was glad to read this article by Joseph Janes in American Libraries this month, not because it is a good thing, but gives me support and ammunition when trying to get teachers to allow time before beginning research to review evaluating websites with students.
Too often teachers plan projects with no time for IL instruction built in. This year I tried to teach some “stand-alone” lessons and always get the dreaded question- Why are we doing this? or Is this graded? When I can connect with actual research projects the success is usually pretty good.
It seems that every year I try a new approach, so I like the criteria used in the ETS test described by Janes, “objectivity, authority, and timelines.” These three cover the basics and fit for the 8th graders preparing for debates on stem-cell research. They are really into the topic and will be a great project.
As many students are- they think they know everything about searching already, but a comment from a top student gave me faith that I still need to teach…
“Ms. Turk I found a great site. It has a lot of information I need and it supports my point of view.”
“Great! What is the site? Where is it from?”
“Oh- It’s from Google.”
