Research Papers for Non-English Classes
Strategies to Create Research Paper Assignments in any Subject
Teachers are trained to teach in their subject area. Especially for middle and high school teachers, this training provides little exposure to creating assignments involving research papers unless teaching English. This situation can make it difficult for teachers to include more formal writing in their curriculum.
Workshops and classes alleviate some of the need for training, but are not always timely. When the decision is made to create an assignment that includes a research paper, it is more convenient to be able to learn how to create it while creating one. One way to do this is to utilize what is available within the school.
Research Paper Goals and Objectives
First, determine the goals and objectives of the research paper. This may include answering subject related questions such as:
- What topics will be investigated?
- How much time is available for research in class?
- Will students all research the same topic or be provided different topics?
- What credible reference material is available both in the library and online?
- What is the outcome expected of the students?
- Will the paper be supported by a presentation?
While considering these questions, do not forget to ask questions about the writing:
- How many pages should be expected?
- What writing conventions should be enforced?
- What writing support is available for students outside of class?
- How will the research paper be submitted? Printed, digital or both?
- How will the paper be checked for plagiarism?
House Style
Once a teacher has determined the goals and objectives are desired from the students he or she should collaborate with a colleague who teaches writing or regularly assigns research style papers. A colleague will be able to assist with determining what to expect for skills from students in different grade levels, tools and strategies commonly used to check for plagiarism, and common writing conventions students at that school are expected to follow.
Another issue a colleague can assist with is house style. House style encompasses many topics, from what font style and size to use to how to format different references. Some English departments have a specific way to introduce or grade papers, and a colleague can help with formatting the assignment to have the same look and feel that would be expected if the paper was assigned in their class.
Research paper assignments can be as difficult for a teacher to create as for students to write. Planning ahead, considering goals and objectives, and collaborating with a colleague are all ways to make it easier to develop a meaningful research assignment.
