To introduce students to research skills while at the same time encouraging them to explore an issue or subject that interests them, I require a research essay that is loosely based on the I-Search format, with a few modifications.
The exploratory essay they write is part informational, part narrative. The topics for research are based on a general theme. One semester, the theme was “This I Believe,” in which students were asked to research a belief system that they were either curious about or that they themselves practiced. Another semester, I asked students to research an “ism” of their choice. Another semester, I required students to explore a current controversy. Sometimes, I select a broad category related to course readings and ask students to choose a topic from within that category (e.g., Language Awareness).
At the end of the semester, for their final exam grade, students are often required to present their findings by creating a visual display and discussing what they learned during their research. The presentations are often creative and informative. Posted below are slides of some of the work students have done in past semesters. Use the navigation arrows to view the slides manually, if you prefer. Additional projects may be viewed here.
