6 Models of Meaningful Research Assignments: Framing the Task

Advice to Action Model

Compare and Contrast Model

History and Mystery Model

Take a Position Model

The Recreate Model

Reinventing a Better Way Model

Advice to Action Model

An engaging problem or issue needing expert advice: role of expertContext: environmental pollution -> scoping out possible topicsTopic selection: water pollutionBuild background knowledge of issue: generalist sourcesDetermine focus on essential dimensions of problem: how safe is drinking water in the community?Gather, sort, analyze expert advice (sources and people) / witnesses (detailed, specific authoritative sources)Authentic data collection (local community)Develop argument and conclusionTest ideas with others (reflect, react – feedback)Decide on course of action (propose solution)

History and Mystery Model

Build a case for solving a history / mystery problemBuild background knowledge to determine specific focus of evidence neededStudy pertinent primary / secondary evidence to gather best evidence Compare evidence; deal with conflicting informationCheck evidence: accuracy and bias of sourcesConstruct arguments and counter arguments

History and Mystery Model

Topics:Causes of war, changes in government, natural catastrophes, advances in technology, influence of artists

Examples: What evidence can you find to prove that the ancient Mayans were a highly skilled civilization?

The Titanic was billed as the most luxurious and safest ship on the sea. Was the claim that it was “unsinkable” justified?

Take a Position Model

Background reading of topicIdentify issuesInvestigate possible positions through focused sourcesAnalyze feasible positions: pros, cons, evidenceForm an opinion, build evidenceTake a positionPrepare an argumentPresent the positionSo what? Understand impact of position

Take a Position Model

Learn to take positions on sound ideas, rather than making snap judgments

Learn how to understand ideas much different than own

Develop critical analysis skills in face of propaganda

Build empathy for all positions, even as you take a stand

Topics: political issues, controversial science problems, moral issues, community problems, eg. Stem cell research, ban on use of pesticides and herbicidesSample products: position paper, persuasive speech, debate, panel discussion; multi-faceted website

The Re-Create Model

Select event, issue, time period Topic selection)Explore event through pertinent researchResearch multiple aspects to ensure authenticityUse of primary sourcesDecoding of information from video, photographsInterpret, infer and predictSelect format and constructPerform as: drama, event, diary, newspaper, painting, story, newscast

Reinventing a Better Way Model

Brainstorm, decide, select a system for study: system analysisBuild background knowledgeInvestigate / research into current methodsCompare / contrast current methods, establish strengths and weaknessesReinventEvaluate: test, try, reflect, market

Examples: family surviving on $300 per month; health care plans; stinking swamp that council wants to pave over; Improving Townsville’s public transport system