Introduction to Research Paper Writing Teaching Unit
Research papers are the culmination of any student’s academic journey in high school and lay the foundation for college-level research and writing skills. By introducing a dedicated research paper writing teaching unit, teachers can scaffold the process and support students in developing good research habits from the beginning stages of developing a research question through to the final submission of their completed paper. This unit provides structure, activities, and resources for teaching students the necessary skills to write a successful research paper.
Developing Research Skills
The first step in any research paper assignment is helping students develop vital research skills. Even for high-achieving students, the research process can feel overwhelming if they don’t know where to start or how to evaluate sources. Begin by introducing students to the different types of sources they may encounter like books, scholarly journal articles, newspapers/magazines, websites, and more. Discuss criteria for determining authoritative and credible sources versus those that should be avoided or used with caution. Provide examples of strong thesis statements and have students practice writing their own focused statements that can be analyzed through research.
Students should understand how to use keywords and Boolean search operators to conduct effective database and general Internet searches. Database orientation activities allow students to get hands-on practice navigating academic research databases like EBSCO, JSTOR, ProQuest, and Gale in OneFile. General search strategies using keywords, synonyms, and related terms should also be modeled. Evaluating and selecting useful information from various sources is another key skill – teach students to analyze sources based on date, author credentials, content, biases, and intended audience.
Outlining and Organizing Research
With research skills established, focus the next part of the unit on outlining and organizing gathered research materials. Provide templates and examples for creating an annotated bibliography to organize source information in MLA, APA or Chicago format as research is conducted. Teach outlining styles and have students draft detailed outlines that logically arrange and sequence their main points and subpoints to support their thesis statement. Peer review allows students to check each other’s outlines and get feedback on thesis statement clarity, supporting point structure, transitions, and inclusion of credible evidence.
Once outlines are revised, students can then turn their focus to arranging research based on their outline structure. Teach notetaking strategies in a way that captures direct quotes, paraphrases, summarizations accurately and appropriately attributes sources using in-text citation format. Students should have practice arranging electronic or print note cards organized by outline topic/subtopic for easy reference later during the writing process. Encourage use of research management tools like Zotero, RefWorks, or Evernote to keep research organized and correctly cited.
Writing the Draft
Now the writing process begins in earnest. Review essay structure and components like introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs, transitions, and conclusion. Provide models and non-examples of each component. The introduction activity engaged students in thesis development – now have them focus on strong hook sentences and background information to set up their thesis.
Body paragraphs should logically flow from the outline. Teach students to integrate evidence smoothly using proper signal phrases and citation format. Lead classroom discussions analyzing how quotes, paraphrases and summaries are used effectively versus ineffectively in provided samples. Encourage varying the structural patterns between source information and their own analysis/commentary. Review techniques for linking body paragraphs with transitional phrases.
Introduce students to writing effective conclusions that reiterate the main points without simply restating the introduction. Conclusions should leave the reader with a clear sense of the discussion while possibly suggesting avenues for further research. Provide feedback on structural elements and opportunities for revision as drafts are submitted.
Revising and Editing
Subsequent lessons focus on revision, editing and polishing the research paper draft. Have students conduct a self-review checking for logical flow, inclusion of all major points, integration of credible evidence, proper formatting and citations. Peer review provides an opportunity for students to analyze each other’s papers, identify strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Editing lessons cover mechanics like grammar, spelling, punctuation, usage, and style conventions. Teach strategies for proofreading like reading aloud, backwards, having a peer or computer program check for errors. Review works cited/bibliography formatting with examples. Extra time allows revisions based on self and peer review feedback before final submission. Students in a research paper writing unit will develop lifelong skills that serve them through future education and careers.
Research Paper Showcase
To conclude, celebrate the cumulative effort with a final research paper showcase where students formally present their work. Presentations give students practice sharing their findings both verbally and visually. Peers can ask questions to further the discussion. This high point allows students to take pride in their accomplishments before moving on to new challenges. Research papers provide opportunities for critical thinking, learning, and growth – skills highly valued both in and out of school. An engaging teaching unit guides students each step of the process for developing quality work to be proud of.
Student Handouts and Additional Resources
The research paper writing unit would not be complete without accompanying student handouts, worksheets, checklists and other printable teacher resources. Examples include:
Research question brainstorming worksheet
Thesis statement template
Evaluating sources criteria checklist
Annotated bibliography template
Outlining template (topic, subtopic, evidence format)
Notecard templates for quotes, paraphrases and summaries
Draft paragraph structure checklist
Self and peer revision worksheets
Formatted works cited/bibliography examples
Research presentation feedback form
Teachers may also choose to provide supplementary online resources for students. Some possibilities are pre-made research templates, citation generators, writing assistance programs, library databases tutorials, sample student papers from previous years. An engaging, step-by-step teaching unit equips high school students with the independence and confidence to successfully complete rigorous research-based writing assignments in their future education.
Andrew Stroud