I-SEARCH PAPER PROCESS

Or how I learned to love writing research

papers.

Reflective Essay

(5% of course grade)

This paper is your first foray into the process.

In it you write about what you want to be
when you grow up and why.
Telling a story is paramount. Tell the story of
when and where and why you first knew you
wanted to pursue a certain occupation/career.
Answering the questions from the handout
helps.
Generating material you can use to keep the
I in your I-search paper is required!

Observation Essay

(10% of course

grade)

This paper becomes the first outside

source for your I-search paper.
Think of it as field research, a chance to
create a source instead of retrieving it
from the Library or the Internet.
Think of it as a chance to learn from a
professional who is doing as close to
what you want to do as you can find.

HOW to look for ADDITIONAL

Sources

Develop a Research Question similar to the one

in the How to Write an I-search Paper handout.

e.g. How do I become an Architect?

Develop sub-questions to help you determine

definable tasks and goals. (Take Education as an
example.)

What type of schooling will it take for me to become

an architect?
What training or certification will I need?
What kind of ongoing training or qualifications will I
need to remain an architect?

PLACES to look for ADDITIONAL

Sources

Library (NWACC or other physical library)

Reference texts (non-circulating)

Books (circulating)
Periodicals (magazines, newspapers or journals)
Databases (subscription services paid for
through our library and accessed through the
library portal.
CD-ROM, VHS or DVD (Audio-Visual Sources)

Virtual Libraries

NetLibrary (See Ackerman handout)

Ebrary (See Ackerman handout)

Places to look for Sources

(cont.)

Internet

Occupation Outlook Handbook.

Blogs by individuals in the profession with
clear experience and credentials.
Professional organization web sites.
Personal web sites, as long as the
professional qualifications and experience
are listed.
Articles in online magazines, newspapers or
journals.

Places to look for Sources

(cont.)

Other

Interview a professional.
Talk to teachers in the equivalent program here
at NWACC or any college or university.
Find program brochures, flyers or newsletters
that describe a program you wish to enter.
Use class lecture notes from a course in your
major.
Look for government documents in your local
public library.
Look for TV shows, Films or podcasts on your
topic.

Annotated Bibliography

(15% of
course grade) (see separate PowerPoint on my web
site)

This is an alphabetized list of sources with

paragraphs after each source that

summarize the content,

assess the sources relevance, recentness and
reliability and then
reflect on how you will use the source in your
paper.

Annotations are written in complete sentences

and paragraphs to help you digest your
information and plan where to use it in your ISearch paper.

I-Search Paper Writing

Suggestions

Keep track of the I in your paper.

Avoid the implied you.
Avoid the general set of instructions for
anyone to become an architect, doctor,
etc.
Remember to blend your sources with
YOUR thoughts, ideas, comments and
reactions.

The FINISHED I-search paper

(20% of your course grade!)

Reflective Essay +
Observation +
Other Sources
=
Completed I-Search paper