No, my statements as stated in Blog 2 remain unchanged. I have noticed that the process has become easier in that I have spent less time wondering where to begin because of the topic selection process. The steps taken to complete our assignments each week are precise and sequential. The fact that I am a “hands-on” person has made it a little easier to grasp information.
In comparing the research methods from the past to the present, I can only say that in the past we were given a topic...read a few books...pepared an outline, using it as a guide for the writter's masterpiece (fruits of our labor). I feel the basic steps are similar, but not as thorough as the process we have been exposed to in this class. In the past my focus was not necessarily on evaluating the resources and deciding what information was appropriate, for me it was mainly the gathering of related information that was readily available and current. I did not have a clear understanding of the development of a research paper. I have more of an appreciation for the particulars involved in moving forward in the research process. I feel certain my research techniques will undoubtedly improve as I follow the systematic procedures offered in this course. At the time I was doing research papers there were no home computers. We now have the best of both worlds…libraries and access to the world wide web through internet service.
Some key things that will help me with future projects are:
· Focus on a topic that interests you.
· Perform a relatively quick search on availability of information
(if I had done thatI would not have had to switch topics).
· Select a manageable topic (time management is essential)
· Organize your thoughts (determine the thesis for your topic)
· Understanding your sources and determine what characteristics
are needed (popular or scholarly).
· Follow your outline…its benefits are twofold (organizes your
thoughts and after all the research is done it serves to help
you write your paper).
I think this process will definitely help with future assignments. I also feel this process could be applied to our day-to-day living (i.e., a task at work, being proactive about our health...you may want to research medications you are prescribed, etc. There are countless opportunities to exercise what we have learned.
I am also glad to say that our instructor never assumed for a minute that we understood it all. The information was provided in our reading assignments and our instructor saw to it that we used the tools available to develop and accomplish our task.
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Thank you for listing the key things that help you . . . because they can help me too! I am also glad we have an instructor that doesn't take for granted that we fully understand our assignments. With her help and little tips, each week gets a little more interesting.
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