"During formulation, students are actively engaged in using
information to create meaning that involves thinking, reflecting, interpreting,
connecting, and extending. "
(C. C.
Kuhlthau, 1997 para. 22)
ISP Stage
During the formulation stage, students examine the
information gathered and formulate their ideas and information into a focused
understanding. Students form a personal perspective or sense of meaning based
on the information explored. This focus provides the frame for constructing a
‘story’ based on information gathered and provides a strategy for choosing
appropriate information. This is the turning point in the ISP. Students’
confidence increases as they form a focus based on the information gathered (Kuhlthau 2004;Kuhlthau, Maniotes & Caspari
2007).
Year 6 History Inquiry
Time to form a focus for the research from the
information found on the general topic from a variety of resources. Students develop
focus questions for their research.
For example:
ISP and WEB 2.0 in the classroom
Up to this point the class may have been working
collaboratively as a whole or in small groups to contribute information on the
topic for all to view and reflect on. At this stage, the focus would shift to
students working individually as they refine their personal focus for the
investigation, based on the information gathered to this point and the points
of interest or curiosity that have been sparked in the student’s mind. As they formulate their research
questions, students may begin to build a concept map for recording their notes
in the next stage. This would be a time of reflection for the student, and the
teacher may encourage them to articulate their thoughts on
refining their personal search through a reflective email or blog. This gives
the student a chance to define their search and the framework they would use to
present their findings. It would also give the teacher the opportunity to give
feedback on the student’s progress, the direction they would work in independently
and identify any teacher assistance required for the next stage.
Tools for students
