blog entry 5 - Nonprint_media_and_research.m4a

 During unit four, my peers and I explored the relationship between non-print media and research. Research was always something that intimidated me in school for I was never truly taught how to conduct it. I do not believe that this unit alongside its readings strengthened my research abilities by much, however, I do believe that they hold some valuable information and ideas. 

In the article Through a New Lens: Students as Primary Researchers, we are given a hypothetical of two students writing a report on fad diets. In the hypothetical, one student uses secondary sources, and the second student utilizes primary sources. Through the use of DV (digital video) the second student is able to record and rewatch meetings and interviews that they take part in. These recordings allow the student to absorb much more information from their sources than they would by just taking notes. I believe that students acting as the primary researchers is something that I believe should be encouraged in public schools. It is a great way to facilitate an intelligent and critical way of thinking. Though much more time-consuming, if the time and resources are available conducting their own primary research will force the students to have an in-depth understanding of their topic in order to properly complete their assignment. The conduction of primary research is something that I believe will aid in the development of soft skills which will tremendously help them in the workplace no matter their career. Setting up meetings and interviews and both verbally and non-verbally communicating with others involved in them will allow the students to strengthen their general organization as well as communication skills which are two things employers consider in the hiring process. 

The article Teaching Students to Write Opinion Pieces Using a Dialogic Approach is in my opinion the most valuable article that I have read thus far in class this semester. The idea of engaging in an argument or discussion to put together an oral essay with their classmates (Building an oral opinion essay) sounds like something that would have proved extremely beneficial to me while I was in high school. When constructing research-based work, my teachers always gave us free rein to do whatever we wanted as far as how we gathered and presented our information. Of course, this led to an extremely inefficient use of class time and incomplete work. Pinning the class against each other or on small teams to engage in discussion is a great way for students to develop an understanding of the given topic. Such is also a way for students to find themselves engaged in the lesson for group work often helps students stay on task.