Design a course for a topic...

Topic:  How to construct a search strategy and use a library database.


Attention:
Perceptual Arousal:  Begin the presentation with a guided question: How do you search for information? and How long does it take you to find that information?  Then ask "Do you want to be a web Jedi Master?
Inquiry Arousal:  How can the library database help you find information?
Variability:  Show a power point on how to effectively use the library database and highlight the steps in finding information.

Relevance:
Goal Orientation:  Show students that there are more ways to finding information than using Google, or Yahoo.  Introduce search strategies that make finding information easier and more efficient.
Motive matching:  The students will be able to choose the right database, selecting search terms and keywords, such as Boolean logic.
Familiarity: Students will be able to seek information, using these strategies, for personal learning.

Confidence:
Learning Requirements:  Throughout the lesson students will continually get help and positive feedback from me.
Success opportunities:  They will be able to choose reliable, accurate information and will be able to filter out irrelevant stuff they don't need.
Personal control:  Students will no longer solely rely on the instructors help when coming to the library.  Knowing these strategies and tips will give the students control and independence, thus feeling more successful in their accomplishments.
Satisfaction:
Intrinsic Reinforcement: Students will be able to successfully come to the library and seek information using the strategies given; for any class that they may have to use their new skills in.
Extrinsic Rewards: Will come to students by the ease at which it takes them to find, evaluate and select appropriate resources and in the grades and mastery of objectives in the classroom.
Equity: By posting signs in the library that have tips and reminders of how to search and use the databases.  By collaborating with teachers on research projects in order to share information and better prepare students for learning.

Engaging in design research allows teachers to keep up to date on new ideas and information.  These theories and models of learning and instruction are always changing and we must make sure we are knowledgeable in them in order to implement them into our lessons and instruction.  This will allow teachers and students to be more successful in the learning process.  Design research gives educators what they need to engage students and prepare them for the future.