"They explore information in order to find out enough about the topic to form a focus for their research."
(Donna, 2002,
p. 20)
ISP Stage
In this third stage of the process, students investigate information to extend their understanding of the broader topic. They explore a range of information and record their understanding to decide on a specific focus. Students list ideas and questions, whilst skimming a range of information sources which will include information which is inconsistent from what they originally expected. This will help students to find a potential focus area for their task. Students reflect on this information in order to form a focus or personal perspective (Kuhlthau 2004; Kuhlthau, Maniotes & Caspari 2007).Year 6 History Inquiry
Students explore information with the intent of finding a
focus. This can be the most difficult stage of the process as students work
through their ideas and construct new knowledge, preparing to form a focus.
Students use a range of websites, local library, museums etc to gather
information about migrants. The use of online video material, such as Tales from a suitcase (Will Davies. SBS 2008),
provides an engaging firsthand account of the stories of immigrants coming
to Australia from across the world.
ISP and WEB 2.0 in the classroom
During this phase students begin to look a range of information
sources including text (online and in books, newspapers etc), film from sources
such as archival websites like the National Library of Australia, You Tube,
or podcasts from programs such as ABC Radio National’s Hindsight. At this stage
the teacher would introduce ethical issues of gathering information such as
recording sources of information and acknowledging the author/s for their work.
As students gather information, they may begin to ‘bag’ websites which are
useful sources for later collection, and add information to the class concept
map or virtual pin board. They may also return to their KWL to add new
understandings.
