Creating a Research Paper (Flex)

Let's do a research paper! 

This class gives students the opportunity to learn more about a topic that interests them by writing a research paper on it — and makes the task of writing the report less intimidating by dividing the process into easy steps. While the focus of the project is the creation of a research paper, the step-by-step instruction for completing the report focuses entirely on the writing process, and also allows the students to truly learn more about a topic of their choice.  

Students can take this class as many times as they would like, as their research papers can always be about something different!
Have a report due for school and need help? Learning about a topic you want to know more about? Just want to have some fun learning about a topic or person that excites you? This class is for everyone! 

Class 1:  Students will think about their topic that they would like to write about.  In a video lecture, we will discuss the steps to complete a research project, as well as how to go about the actual research.  This class will focus on learning to take notes, as well as how to develop an outline for their paper to follow throughout the research process.  We will also talk about the important information needed to cite references. 
HOMEWORK: Students are to choose a topic to research, begin the research process, and take notes/fill in their outline for their topic.  A discussion post will be posted for students to share their outlines with the class.  Other interactive class discussion posts will reflect in this assignment, and students will interact with one another and the teacher about what they know, and what they want to know about their topic of research, sharing their ideas with other students. Students are asked to respond back to their fellow peers.  

Class 2: We will discuss how to properly cite the reference material gathered for their topic.  We will discuss the differences between APA and MLA format of citing.  Students can choose to cite in whichever way they wish (or need to if it is a school assignment).  Students will be encouraged to focus on the content of their papers, and allow their ideas to flow freely. 
HOMEWORK: Students will begin organizing their work and getting their thoughts down on paper into complete sentences and ideas.   They will begin to write a rough draft of their papers.  A picture, painting, diagram, diorama, poster, model, etc. is OPTIONAL to add to their research, but strongly encouraged.   It will be shared with your final research paper.  Class discussions will be posted about highs and lows of the research process and what they find most difficult. Students will share their thesis with one another, and an interactive post will allow students to vote on their favorite from their peers, as well as discuss what made it stand out to them.  Students are encouraged to help one another if they have ideas that worked for them too. Students are asked to respond back to their fellow peers. 

Class 3: Students are given 2 full weeks to do their research and to write their research papers.  HOWEVER, during week 3, we will work back and forth individually on your outlines and rough drafts.  I will review, edit, and return papers, giving critique and aid when needed during this time.  Final papers are due to me final week. There will be no videos during this time. It will be for working on papers and commenting back and forth to the teacher. Class discussions will be posted about highs and lows of the writing process for the week and what they find most difficult.  Students will interact with their peers, and share what made someone else's "lows" in the writing process easy for them, and are encouraged to help one another through the process.  Students will encourage each other in class discussion and are asked to write back to their peers. 
 
Class 4: Final papers should be posted in the Outschool classroom on a discussion post, and if any artwork was done, please share it.  In student-led discussion, learners are asked to read everyone else's research, and give comments on what their thoughts were on the research papers, what their favorite part was, what they think the writer's strengths were in the writing process, as well as what they learned from their peers' papers. This provides an amazing learning atmosphere where students not only learn how to research, but also learn from the work of others. Commenting back to your peers helps encourage and build confidence in writing skills. 

Class discussions and video lectures will be posted in the Outschool Classroom each week for students to view and comment on.