These students become the experts and can then train others. Gathering Information Students will need to learn how to use an index of a reference book and how to conduct an internet search. These two skills could be taught in small groups, or whole class lessons. When contacting community resources, students need to have questions prepared in advance and a way to record the information they receive. Role playing is a good way to practice encounters with members of the community.
Students have a tendency to copy information from reference books and internet resources.
Teaching the skill of reading for understanding, then putting information into their own words will be another skill which can be introduced to the whole group, then reinforced as students work. When students believe they have enough information to write their paper, they need to determine which information is useful and which isn't. One strategy is to review the question and project outline, then use a highlighting pen to highlight all of the relevant information. If they prefer, they can cut and paste the relevant information onto another paper. They need to put their information into a logical order and make sure they have smooth transitions from one topic to the next.