i-Search

What is it:
 * Informal, personal, student-centered writing strategy - Derives from the student's personal need to know something (the "I" in "I-search"
 * Enhances the students curiosity and interest by allowing them to make personal connections from their point of view
 * Utilizes a variety of resources

What do you need to know to use this strategy: Web Examples:
 * Structure & Develop a timeline for students to keep pace
 * Implementation:
 * Phase 1: Brainstorm questions related to ideas/concepts being discussed - personal connections
 * Phase 2: Individuals strategize a plan for collecting and organizing information from various media sources
 * Phase 3: Recording of information/notes from sources, create graphic organizers or use other organizational strategies.
 * Basically "the story of your search" - the steps you went through to find out what you wanted to know - including both successful steps, as well as dead ends.
 * Phase 4: Presentation of knowledge/learning.
 * Products should include/communicate:
 * Questions
 * Search Process
 * What I Learned
 * What This Means to Me
 * Reflections
 * References

Revisiting the I-Search Process - pdf Powerpoint explaining and comparing the i-Search and the traditional Research process.

Writing an I-Search Paper -

Student Sample with Teacher Annotation - High School, but good example

Parent Letter & Timeline Example for a I-Search Project