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STEP 3: Developing a Search Strategy

KEY: Inquiry doesn't begin with Google. Or any other search tool. Or even a computer. It begins with developing a search strategy, which includes the identification of keywords, and the development of a search syntax, including search tools.

 

In this part of the inquiry process, students develop a search strategy for locating Web information by closely examining foundation questions for keywords. Keywords are words that are placed in Web search tools (e.g. Google, Vivisimo, Yahoo!) to locate information resources. Logically, students use the very questions they are trying to answer to develop a keyword pool to improve the likelihood of locating useful information. At this point, it is important to provide in-depth instruction relative to the types of search strategies available to students and the most effective methodology for using those tools. Teachers should also make use of the varied search resources available on the Web such as search grids that facilitate student success. Many other resources on searching provide valuable assistance to both teachers and students.

After students understand Web searching, they should use their keywords to develop an anticipated search strategy. This involves students selecting keywords, placing them together in proper syntax strings, and then identifying the search tool they are going to use. Again, this document can be collected by the teacher, assessed, and returned to the student with constructive criticisms. The objective in this exercise is to develop an initial plan for searching that can help students be productive the minute they sit down at a computer.

At this point, it is important to note that students have not used the Web. They have their essential question framed, their foundation questions written, their keywords selected, and a proper search strategy for locating information identified. By following this protocol, students are empowered to be effective before they even use a computer connected to the World Wide Web.

 

STEP 1: Writing the Essential Question

STEP 2: Writing Foundation Questions

STEP 3: Developing a Search Strategy

STEP 4: Locating Information

STEP 5: Filter, Distill and Cross-Referencing

STEP 6: Evaluate the amount of information

STEP 7: Develop the answer to the Essential Question

STEP 8: Develop a product to represent the answer

 

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