Before WAC research papers are turned in, you can have a record of your students’ research paths—if you ask them to keep logs. The benefits to you include a record against plagiarism, the ability to monitor and coach their progress, and a record of how much time students are putting into their projects.
What Is a Research Log?
Ask students to keep a record—a very brief one, usually in a notebook—of exactly when and where they were when they did their research. Ask them to report their findings or problems. Ask them to reflect on the findings.
Example of a Research Log
Here’s one quick example:
5/01/17:
Home computer: I used the Business and Industry Internet database from the CSU library page to look up articles on my subject of investing in Russia. I found many articles in a variety of journals and magazines. I ordered 3 articles through OhioLink and 1 from Interlibrary Loan. The rest are available in CSU 4th floor periodicals. Time: 2 hours.
5/02/17:
CSU library. Finding articles on 4th floor. I scanned 2 of the 5 I found; the other 3 were not helpful—either for economists or on a topic that wasn’t exactly investing in Russia. So far, I am finding many natural resources that seem good bets for investing. Time: 1½ hours.
5/03/17 :
I checked the CSU Scholar catalogue but didn’t find any really recent books so I tried OhioLink and ordered 1. Time: 1 hour.
5/04/17:
I’m sorting through articles and find that I like one above the rest. The author has credentials that I admire and the article is well written. Time: 2 hours.
5/09/17:
My sources have now come in and I’m reading them closely for my research paper. I think my focus will be the particular natural resources that might be in demand in the coming years and which businesses to consider.
If you’d like a workshop on this subject, please call the Director at ext. 6982.