Monday, February 16, 2015

Finding Information




The second step in the I-SEARCH process is finding information by generating questions and exploring resources. In terms of writing of a paper, this is the stage where one answers the following question: “Why I Am Writing This Paper (where the writer demonstrates how the search will impact his life)” (Asaf et al, p.32). While finding information and keeping track of questions, it is important to write about why this material matters to you. I want to learn more about Denmark because of my interest in their culture. As I learn more about it, my reasoning for its importance will strengthen. During this stage one should remember to “flexible and find alternate routes to solve their problems” (Asaf et al, p.38). If I cannot find information where I expect it, then I must take my time to find different resources or to ask different questions while planning my trip.

 Carol Bowen lists four questions to be used before a full search is done (2001, p.14)

·         What do I want to know?
·         Where can I find the answers?
·         How will I record the information that I find?
·         How will I show what I learned?


What do I want to learn as I start my research? I want to learn about the history and culture of Denmark. I want to experience a different culture. To help with this process I pose the following questions:

·         Where are the English-friendliest places?
·         Are there any Mormon historical sites in Denmark?
·         What musical concerts are available?
·         Are there high quality museums?
·         What are the cheapest things to do in Denmark?

Now, I have to find resources to answer the second question. I started off by determining my trip would be from February 23 (departure flight) to March 1 (return flight). To find the price I used Expedia.com, which includes the price of a two-way ticket and hotel booking for five days. Next, I needed to find how much money to spend on food. Visit Denmark told me the pricing of one main course. The next step is finding things to do. Lonely Planet has a list of top things to do in Denmark especially in Copenhagen where I plan to stay for most of the trip. The last thing I looked for was Mormon sites. I could not find much, but I found information regarding the Copenhagen temple. All these websites include general pricing, which will be helpful during the final stage of my project.

Looking at these websites, I believe the trip would be important to me. There is history relating to Hans Christian Anderson and Shakespeare’s Hamlet. I like literature, so would appreciate those sites. I could also try new food and see museums about Vikings. I will record my answers in my blog postings and my final product will be a travel itinerary.

There is a lot of fun to have in Denmark! Let's get started.

References

Asaf, L.C, Ash, G.E, Saunders, J, & Johnson, J. (2011). Renewing two seminal literacy practices: I-Charts and I-Search papers. Voices from the Middle 18(4), 31-42. Retrieved form http://www.ncte.org/library/NCTEFiles/Resources/Journals/VM/0184-may2011/VM0184Renewing.pdf

Bowen, C. (2001). A process approach: the I-Search with grade 5: they learn! Teachers Librarian 29(2), 14-18.

Denmark Vacation Packages. Expedia. Retrieved from http://www.expedia.com/Denmark.d6122902.Destination-Travel-Guides

Discover Denmark-exciting city breaks and stunning nature. Visit Denmark. Retrieved from http://www.visitdenmark.co.uk/en-gb/denmark/your-tourism-guide-to-attractions-and-hotels?_ga=1.15143734.1654595954.1424121480

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