The Information Search Process: A Study of Elements Associated with Meaningful Research Tasks

Abstract

This investigation addressed the question What makes a good research task -- one that requires students to construct meaning from a variety of resources? The study involved collaboration between a high school media specialist, seven teachers, and a university faculty member in Michigan, United States. Six research projects involving 387 students of all ability levels were observed in human physiology, English, honors English, health, grammar and composition, and American studies classes in order to identify elements associated with meaningful research tasks. Data were collected from a questionnaire completed by all students and student and teacher interviews. Five elements were found to be related to satisfaction with the research process and to satisfaction with achievement: student choice of topic, group work, course-related topics, clarity of goals and means of evaluation, and process instruction.

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