Day 11: The Research Process and Choosing a Research Paper Topic

During our last class, we visited the UGL and explored some of the tools we can use to help us do research. Today we will continue our exploration of Unit 2: The Pre-Research Process. As I mentioned last week, we will continue to emphasize the idea of writing as a process (and not something you do quickly, the night before an assignment is due, like the young woman in the cartoon above). This unit is designed to discuss all the necessary steps one must take when beginning a major, formal EAP essay, even before finding sources and doing the actual research. 

Again, as a reminder, Unit 3: Annotated Bibliography will discuss finding sources, researching and creating an annotated bibliography. Unit 4: Writing the Research Paper is when we'll actually be writing the final, Individual Problem Solution Research Paper (IRP).

An outline of today's class can be found below: 

The Research Paper Process and Choosing a Research Paper Topic

I. Brainstorming: When you're asked to write a formal academic paper, what's the first thing you do? Have you ever written a research paper? What are the steps involved in writing a research? What comes first? Second? What's the most important step? What's the biggest problem you've ever faced when writing a (research) paper? How did you overcome this problem? 

Here is a short video that nicely sums up my greatest challenge when writing...

II. A Step-by-Step Guide to the Research Paper Writing Process

Now, in pairs, take a few minutes to look at this exercise. It asks you to do two things: first, put these concepts into order according to when they happen as part of the writing process. It also asks you to provide a basic definition for each term. After the pair discussions, we will reconvene as a class to discuss the right order and proper definitions for each term. 

III. Choosing a Research Paper Topic ("To Boldly Go...")

Now that we've established the order of the Research Paper Process, let's begin discussing the first step.  While the research process is dynamic and, at times, unpredictable, it always begins in the same place: choosing a topic. 

Brainstorming: What are the characteristics of a good research paper topic? How is an analytic research paper different from an argumentative essay? 

Let's take a look at the following presentations. The first discusses things to avoid when deciding on a good research paper topic. The second outlines a checklist of questions you should ask yourself when deciding whether you have a good research topic or not. 

IV. Group Topic Presentations

Now, in groups of three, discuss the two possible research paper topics you brought to class today. Using this chart, compare and contrast the possible topic using the checklist of criteria for a good research paper topic. Then, decide on the best topic out of the possibilities listed by the group. Be ready to do a short presentation in front of the class where your group informs the other groups of the topic you've chosen and explains why. 

To review:

-Compare and contrast your research paper topics using the decision chart

-Each group will choose one primary topic (and one back-up topic, in case another group has already chosen theirs)

-Each group will give a short, 1-minute speech to the class explaining why their topic is an appropriate research paper topic and how it meets the criteria on the checklist. 

House Keeping Details and Homework for Thursday, 10/3/13

-EPT Research Survey: You all should have received an email from a colleague of ours named Sun Joo Chung, asking you to fill out a short survey that evaluates the EPT exam. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, as it will provide valuable insight necessary to continually improve the test. 

-IEFs: Please take a moment to fill out this short feedback form with your thoughts about how class is going thus far. As the directions indicate, it is anonymous, so your honest feedback is appreciated. 

-Critical Thinking Vocabulary: We will be discussing the concept of "critical thinking" a lot over the course of Unit 2. Please fill out this short worksheet that asks you to define a few of the most crucial concepts related to writing and critical thought. Please bring a copy of this handout to class on Thursday (hard copy or electronic). 

-Prepare Short Topic Presentation: Come to class on Thursday ready to discuss why the topic your group has selected appropriately represents the criteria on the checklist.

For Friday-Choosing Your Individual Research Paper Topic (Phase 1): Now that we've run through the process in class, take a moment and fill out the "Research Paper Topic Decision Chart" for a two topics (one primary, one a "back up") of your own. If the topic you brought to class today fits the requirements on the checklist, feel free to use it to fill out this chart again. Once you have finished, please email me with this form attached. Title your email, "Research Paper Topic_YourName". This should be completed before our next class meeting.