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One Guide to Rule Them All: Research Station

This guide was created as a way for all students at Ferrum College to get basic 'help' with research, tutorials and quick tip suggestions.

ENG 101, 102

Surface vs. Deep Web Tutorial

Objectives:

Problem-based instruction is designed to:

  • introduce you to real world research situations
  • move from lecture to participatory based learning
  • promote deeper learning of information literacy skills

Goals:

At the end of this session you will be able to:

  • identify an information need from a problem scenario
  • use scholarly search engines/databases to find information on a topic
  • more critically evaluate credibility of information sources
  • understand the importance of developing a search strategy

101: The Problem Scenario:

The following problem is designed to mirror a real world issue you may encounter in your day to day life.  It will be the basis of our exercise.

The Problem

You represent a local citizen’s group who supports or opposes armed guards in your public schools.  Your School Board is hosting a town meeting next week to hear argumens on this proposal.  Your citizen’s group has asked you to speak on their behalf.  You want to support your argument to the Board with reputable research.  What position will you argue?  What research will you present and why? What do you believe is the best solution to curb gun violence in America's schools?


102: The Problem Scenario:

The following problem is designed to mirror a real world issue you may encounter in your day to day life.  It will be the basis of our exercise.

The Problem

You work for a major gaming company (insert company’s name) in the Research and Development Department. Your supervisor has informed you that the Company is interested in exploring the market for developing educational video games that support College students in developmental learning courses.  Some particular skills these students may need help with are reading, writing, time management, and goal setting. Your supervisor has asked you to research the benefits and potential audience of such an endeavor for a presentation she is preparing for the CEO.  Strong research will help your supervisor to make a good impression with the CEO, and for you with your supervisor.

Will you argue for or against expanding into this market?  What research will you present to support this rationale?

102: The Problem Scenario (HERO):

 

The following problem is designed to mirror a real world issue you may encounter in your day to day life.  It will be the basis of our exercise.

The Problem

Your instructor has assigned you a research paper to critically evaluate the use of "the hero" in an ancient myth. You have been asked to interpret how use of "the hero" might relate to social and cultural issues of today.  You are expected to support your position and arguments with scholarly research. 

How will you explain your position on the topic?  What sources will you present?

102: The Problem Scenario (Appalachian Cluster*):

 

The following problem is designed to mirror a real world issue you may encounter in your day to day life.  It will be the basis of our exercise.

The Problem

You represent a local citizen’s group who supports or opposes Company Digg developing a business in your town.  Your town is rich in Appalachian history and culture.  Your city council will hold a town meeting next week to gather feedback on Company Digg’s development proposal.  Your citizen’s group has asked you to speak on their behalf.  You want to support your argument to the Council with reputable research.  What position will you argue?  What research will you present and why?

102: The Problem Scenario (Whited*):

 

The following problem is designed to mirror a real world issue you may encounter in your day to day life.  It will be the basis of our exercise.

The Problem

You are a psychologist treating a patient with familial issues. You discovered that the patient is a middle child. You will be meeting with your patient in a few hours and would like to find some additional articles/resources to share with him. 

So, you need to show credible research and be able to explain to the patient that birth order affects relationships with parents, siblings, and even spouses.  How will you explain your position on the topic?  What sources will you present?

102: The Problem Scenario (Section L):

 

The following problem is designed to mirror a real world issue you may encounter in your day to day life.  It will be the basis of our exercise.

The Problem

Your ENG102 instructor has asked you to write a five page persuasive paper taking one of the following stances.  She has shared an article (Step 1) with your class. 

  • Pro stance: Texting should be considered a standard form for writing.
  • Con stance: Texting should not be considered a standard form for writing.

She has asked each student/group to come to the next class prepared to talk about their position on the topic and to provide rationale, which supports that opinion.  What will you argue?  What sources will you present?

Complete this form as a group: http://bit.ly/10fDl5z

Complete this summary as a group: http://bit.ly/UBfhlW