The Addison Trail Information Literacy Instructional System is a process to help you think and work through questions and  projects. You need to follow a system to find and develop the best answers to your research questions.  Know that the process is dynamic and not linear.  The following steps were developed and adapted by the AT faculty, based on a task analysis of student expectations in core areas of the curriculum.

State the Question

"Stating the Question" student information includes:
The task analysis (read the assignment and write down all that needs to be done), asking the questions and knowing what needs to be done (review your list with your teacher to be sure you did not miss a piece of the assignment).  
Set a timeline that allows you to meet your deadlines (write all of the due dates in your assignment notebook so you remember when the pieces are due).  
Read the all of the rubrics so that you know what is expected for each piece of this assignment. Avoid surprises by being organized! 
Your Teacher is your key resource for this step.  Ask questions NOW so you know what to do later!

Track down the Resources

Tracking down the resources for this project includes:
Finding out what resources you need to answer your questions. Plan your search for information by considering all of the sources available to you.  
Where do you find them?  The AT Media Center and its web page has specific information for this project.  Plan to visit and ask for assistance on your topic.  Take note of the information provided and where it is located so you can come back to the sources at a later time for additional details.   
What access do you have?  The AT Media Center provides access for school and home access to the databases specific to this project.  Be sure to get the Work@Home sheet from the Center.  Check out the web links on the Media Center Web page.
Organize the resources you find. Use the forms provided for your Working Bibliography.  Some teachers call these the source cards.
The Media Center Staff, and your Teacher will be able to assist you with your questions on how to track down resources for your project.

Use the Information 

Using information means to begin to make it your own.  This is done by taking all of the information you gathered and organizing it.  Create your own "web" of ideas to support your thesis - your main point.  

This is hard work and takes time.  It is something only you can do after you have gathered information for your main points.  You may find that you need more information for certain points.  At this point you "Track down more resources."
  Sort and organize your notes.  
  Paraphrase, quote and cite the sources you are using.  
  Make notes, use graphic organizers or an outline to bring order to your thoughts.
  Review the details on Plagiarism so you can avoid this important mistake!
  Using citations is key to avoiding plagiarism and creates a "scholarly piece." 

Do your assigned project.  

  Use the information to design your presentation.  
  Prepare your research paper, your oral presentation and display.
  Remember the research paper will need internal citations and a works cited page.
  Your First Draft is not your Final Presentation.  
  Editing and revisions are a real part of presenting your thoughts based on the information you found.  Check  with your teacher when you have questions. 

You Evaluate.  

Reflect on the project and the process. How did you do? 
Are you skilled at finding and using information?
What do you think of your skills in gathering information, presenting, and meeting requirements?  
What will you do differently when you do this again?  

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