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RESEARCH PAPER - MRS. KREUTZER'S STUDENTS: HOME

This LibGuide is intended for use by students of Mrs. Zolkowski who are working on their English 11 or English 12 Research Papers.

MRS. FRECH-OMMENDATIONS ON WHERE TO START

MYPAD > GROUPS > PADUA LIBRARY > TOPICS > LIBGUIDES > MAIN PADUA LIBGUIDES SITE > ENGLISH > RESEARCH PAPERS - MRS. KRUETZER'S STUDENTS

 

1) *****FIRST THINGS FIRST***** What topic are you researching??? 

Work with your teacher to find a topic that fits the assignment AND interests you. HOT TIP: You may want to explore this site for ideas: ProCon.org 

Once you have a topic in mind, you need to explore search terms, because the key to making research more manageable is finding the right search term(s)/combination of terms. Don't keep trying the same word/term if you're not getting any results. The best thing to do is to brainstorm & map out optional words/terms/phrases before you even begin researching, because finding the right phrasing is the difference between a successful search or a great deal of wasted time and frustration.

If you’re struggling with terms, first try this easy tip: Google > Research topics associated with ___x___. Or > Research terms associate with ___X___. Example 1: Research terms associated with DNA, etc.  Example 2: Research terms associated with Teens and Texting. 

Once you have some search terms, you can begin researching with these three options: (1) Print Resources, (2) Websites (Google), and/or (3) Databases (verified and academic resources). 

 

2) Print Resources/Books

Depending on your topic, you might luck out and find a book right here in the Padua Library. To see if we have one, go to this LibGuide tab: "PADUA LIBRARY: Destiny Library Catalog" (pick the catalog with the BEAR symbol). Write down the TITLE & CALL # so I can help you find that book. 

 

3) Next...it's time to branch out to Databases!!!! 

Most teachers (and almost all professors) prefer and may even require databases over general websites, because databases are purchased by your Library and contain academic information that has been evaluated for authority, accuracy, and currency. Plus, citations are provided.

Many of the research options located under LibGuide tabs are dependent on your topic, and it may be difficult to find pop culture type topics in databases, but for any academic type topic, most of you will have luck. Though you may certainly access any of the databases Padua offers, I highly suggest you make things a bit more manageable by going to following above tab: "DATABASES: Suggested Database(s) for Mrs. Kreutzer's Students."   Follow the suggestions on the page for where to start.

 

4) If you can’t find anything in the Databases, Google is your next stop, but practice BETTER Google Skills!!!!

  • Not having any luck in databases? Then it's time to explore other options.
    • GOOGLE: You may have luck on Google, but you’ll want to do a better Google search by combining research terms and by using .edu (educational) or .gov (government) or .org (organization) sites over .com (commercial) sites. Here’s how you do that:
      • Go to Google. In the search box put your topic plus .org .edu. .gov (see image below)

  • SEARCH TERM COMBINING: You will also have much better luck with Google if you give it specific terms you are seeking. REMINDER: For help finding terms, try this easy tip: Google > Research topics associated with ___x___. Example: Research terms associated with DNA, etc. 
    • Then, once you have those terms, don't just Google DNA; instead, combine those terms. Example 1: Put DNA and technology and wrongful conviction and .org .edu .gov. Example 2: Music and studying and improved grades and teens .org .edu .gov

 

5) SAVING INFO & OTHER IIMPORTANT TIPS:

  • HOW TO SAVE YOUR INFO: Be sure you know where you are locating information (websites versus databases) & how to save.
    • SAVING FOR WEBSITES (things found in Google): Bookmark the article or save the URL in a doc.
    • SAVING FOR DATABASES: You CANNOT bookmark or save the URL. For databases, you MUST save the entire article in your Google Drive.
    •  
  • BONUS TIP: Remember to utilize database features like MLA Citation (at the bottom of every database article) & Advanced Search & Topic Finders & Filters by source type, etc.

I'M HERE FOR YOU IF YOU NEED MORE HELP: You are always welcome to stop up or gmail Mrs. Frech if you need more assistance or have questions. 

LIBGUIDE ACCESS (FROM SCHOOL & HOME VIA ANY COMPUTER OR MOBILE DEVICE)

 

 

 

 

 

ACCESSING LIBGUIDES: You can access all available LibGuides, Padua Databases, and the Padua Library Catalog both at school and from any place where you have internet access. The LibGuides link and all other required information can be found in MyPad > Groups > Padua Library > Quick Links > LibGuides.

LOOKING FOR A PARTICULAR LIBGUIDE? Remember, if you are looking for a particular LibGuide, go into LibGuides and look under the class SUBJECT. 

DATABASE USERNAME & PW REMINDER: Most Padua Databases require PW info, especially if you are off school premises. This access info is private; therefore, it cannot be posted on this site, so you can find this info in MyPad > Groups > Padua Library > Quick Links > Database Usernames & Passwords