Year 8 – A Collaborative Research Lesson

Over the past week, the History Faculty and Library team have collaborated to deliver a researched-focused lesson for Year 8 students. This lesson is centred around the upcoming assessment task on Medieval Europe. The session aimed at reinforcing essential research skills so that students can effectively and confidently utilise the resources available to them.

The lesson began with identifying core points from the marking criteria and specifying what a range of research is. This provided a clear framework for the students, helping them recognise what would be expected from their research task. Louise Piggott, Head of Library Services, walked through effective strategies for starting research, encouraging students to consider where and how they begin their search for credible information. Within the session, digital literacy was discussed, focusing on the potential drawbacks of relying solely on Google and AI tools, emphasising that while they can be useful, they may not always offer the most reliable or thorough results. She highlighted the importance of using a variety of research methods and trusted sources to ensure a well-rounded understanding of their topics

The session also covered how to properly reference sources, emphasising the importance of accurate citations. Ms Piggott highlighted key things to watch out for, such as format and missing information, and provided solutions for common referencing challenges. She introduced the Library’s research guide website, showcasing a range of reliable resources to boost students’ research quality. After the demonstration, students were given time to practice researching, citing, and using these tools to strengthen their referencing skills.

This hands-on session provided Year 8 students with the skills to conduct independent research and gave them a better understanding of the tools available to them, boosting their confidence in conducting effective research and proper referencing. By combining the expertise of both the History Faculty and the Library Team, students were able to build confidence in their research abilities and deepen their understanding of Medieval Europe.

– Anna Sinclair
Teacher

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