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(This activity was developed for English 101 - Academic Writing, but it would be helpful for students in any course that requires a research paper.)
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-- develop an interest in their
classmates' research projects (students share logs throughout the semester)
-- become part of a learning community
-- help students examine and develop their approaches to research
-- encourage students to write about the research process
-- encourage students to improve time management and organizational skills
-- help students value the process as learning experience (rather than as a
means to an end - the paper itself)
-- help students begin to see writing as a discovery process
-- help students defeat writer's block and procrastination
paper, pencils, pens
folder/notebook (a folder that holds notebook paper and also has pockets for
loose pages/note cards, etc., works well for the log)
The research log is record of the process students go through to research, develop, and write an academic paper. Students begin the log on the day they are given the paper assignment, and they hand the log in with the final paper.
Logs may include:
daily journal entries
topic brainstorming notes, freewriting
classroom notes
research notes, note cards, annotated articles
printouts of relevant bibliographic records
mind-maps, concept maps, webs, outlines
paper drafts
examples of paraphrases, direct quotes, and summaries
reflection pieces
homework and classroom work related to the project
and other documents/materials developed during the process of writing the paper. When giving the assignment for the paper, include a handout that spells out the requirements for the log, including appropriate items for inclusion and grading criteria.
Make clear that the paper will not be accepted without the corresponding research log. (You'll find that this approach discourages plagiarism and last minute topic "waffling." )
Students bring their research logs to class and to conferences. Discussing the research process with classmates and with the instructor can be much more productive with the research log available for reference.
Log entries could include weekly reflection pieces (i.e. What surprised you the most about this week's research?).
Also, the research logs provide the instructor with a method of formative assessment (link to glossary). In other words, the instructor can tell, at a glance, which students are making progress and which students might need additional help.
The design of this activity was guided by careful consideration of
-- the unique learner - although
the class is given general instructions for the log, each student can develop
his or her log using individual strengths and preferences. For example, a student
who is a visual learner might find it helpful to create graphical organizers
to help develop the final, sequential outline for the research paper. Other
students might "talk through" the structure of the paper and include
an audio tape of that process.
-- the environment - Sharing their
research logs in the classroom helps students become more comfortable with the
research process. Developing an understanding of the recursive nature of writing/research
helps creative a positive, yet challenging, learning environment. In addition,
students develop interest in their classmates' projects.
-- the construction of individual
meaning - Having the research log on hand constantly helps students make connections
to learning in other classes and to their learning outside of the classroom.
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