Using Keywords

KEYWORD SEARCHING

The terms students use to conduct research will determine the success thereof. Students can be taught various strategies to help them determine useful search terms, as well as broadening or narrowing them. Many of these strategies are based on the students brainstorming questions regarding the topic, e.g. as suggested by Lilian Wehmeyer in The School Librarian as Educator (1986). She suggests that students ask themselves these main questions:

	Is there another way to SPELL or SAY it (synonyms)?
	Is there a LARGER topic that might include your topic?
	Does the topic include a SMALLER topic that might be worth looking up?
	Does your topic OVERLAP another subject?
	Are there any DATES, LOCATIONS, and/or specific NAMES related to your topic?
	Does your topic include a FAMOUS PERSON? Where and when did this person live? What is he/she famous for?

The answers to these questions will provide students with ideas for search terms they could use.

If students are not finding resources that will supply them with sufficient information on their topic, they should review the process and revise their terms by broadening or narrowing them. The use of Boolean Logic ("and", "or", "not") may be particularly helpful in this regard.

wpeC.jpg (3040 bytes)

ESL Surfing Safari

An online tutorial created especially for second year ESL students at Park Center Senior High. Explains in simple terms how to "surf" the Internet for information using reference resources, subject directories or keywords. Students in elementary school would also enjoy working their way through this tutorial.

Please note: This web site is housed on the same server as this web site, but they are not related. To get out of that web site, use the BACK BUTTON of your Internet browser.

KidsClick: Worlds of Web Searching

Another online tutorial for students on how to search the web for information. The concepts explained are similar to those in Surfing Safari, but language usage and explanations are a little more sophisticated. Suitable for older students.

Learn to Search the Web

A tutorial designed for teachers new to searching the web, but can even help experienced searchers. Created as part of a graduate project in educational technology at the George Washington University.

Research Skills and Strategies

The aim of Research Skills and Strategies is to provide teachers and students with guidance and support in refining their process of Internet research and in determining the effective integration of that research into our classrooms.

wNet School Internet Primer: Searching Smart

Internet Primer designed especially for K-12 teachers new to the Web. Learn more about using the Web in the classroom and find tips, interactive templates and other resources that will put knowledge to practice!


STEP 1	STEP 2	STEP 3	STEP 4	STEP 5	STEP 6	HOME