OK, this is manageable. While writing an essay isn't my favourite thing in life, I know what is expected of me. What is weird is that I don't really know what I'm writing about. We've been given a broad topic, but I really don't know where to go with this. Are there topics that are better than others? What topic will I get the best marks for? What topic will take me the least time? Is there something that I can do that borrows from something that I've already done? So many questions!
I'm actually excited about this topic. I spend a lot my leisure time reading books, playing games and watching movies that are linked in some way to the topic. Because of this, I have a pretty good understanding of the big ideas and finding something specific should be pretty easy.Click here if this is you.
OK, this is doable. I know that this is a pet topic of the teacher. Maybe spending some time talking to the teacher might help me to find the best way through this.Click here if this is you.
Another day, another essay. Off to Wikipedia to see what the issues surrounding the broader topic might be. Some bouncing around the web should give me an idea of what my topic might be.Click here if this is you.
As a teacher, this phase of inquiry can be dangerous for the student. This is where they can check in or check out. So far, the thinking is all about the product and how to do well on the product. Very little thought has been given to the topic itself. If the student gets engaged with the topic, then finding a focus can be fairly easy. Without some sort of personal connection, the research can be shallow and unfocussed. As teachers, we see evidence of shallow thinking and research as students struggle to understand a topic on a basic level.