Research Models

As with many of my "classmates" I believe that "The Research Quest" model would be my model of choice. It is succinct, kid-friendly and would be easy to adapt at many grade levels. I also appreciate that it was developed by the B.C.T.L.A. and adopted by the BC Ministry of Education...handcrafted for our students!

Having never used any of the models, I appreciated Richard's comments as he has actually used the Research Quest with his students: "I find it to be sequential enough for some of my students who struggle with organization in the first place, yet there is sufficient flexibility at each "stage" to permit those more independent students to progress at their own level/pace." I believe that it would be important to break the research process into smaller, manageable chunks so that the students would experience success at each of the stages. The Research Quest has certainly achieved this.

As Riedling indicates in our text on p.6, Figure 1.1, the Research Quest follows the Five Basic Steps of the Reference Process:
1. A Need for Information
2. A Question
3. The Search for Information
4. An Answer or Response
5. An Evaluation

I see the Research Quest as being a model that the T-L could work cooperatively with other teachers and I also see the value of using a singular model school-wide as well as cross-curricular. That would provide the consistency, the vocabulary and the practice year after year for the students to become masters in their research process.

Having the entire school on board with one research model would be a wonderful way for the students to learn!