With the Christmas holidays here
it may be that your children have been set holiday homework which involves
research for a project. My parents have just recycled the Encyclopaedia
Britannica that we used during childhood for these tasks, in conjunction with
trips to the local library reference section to read a range of books. The internet
has largely replaced the need for this with copious information at a child’s
finger tips. However, how to 21st Century parents ensure their child
is forming balanced opinions through broad research of a topic and not just regurgitating
page one of Google?
Google a topic such as The First
World War and you will see what I mean. Wikipedia summarises topics well but be
aware that articles could be written by anyone so facts could be un-reliable or
hugely subjective. Select the right key words in order to come up with a
variety of reliable sources in the search results.
Search results are global so checking
the credibility of information sources is important. This can be done by understanding
the background, expertise and culture of the person who has written a piece.
The ability to copy and paste
makes plagiarism far easier but schools and most importantly examination boards
are very wary and on the look-out for this. Encourage independent writing after
having read around a subject. This can easily be checked by discussing what
your child has written to see if they understand the content and can explain
why they have formed their opinion, demonstrating objectivity, through
researching several sources. All quoted opinions should be referenced.
Beware of Google translate. It
often creates sentences that are grammatically incorrect so will stand out
immediately.
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