Education is vital, especially in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math). Because of the shift toward science and technology, it’s vital to start teaching young children in these areas. As a result, researchers agree that research and data-driven thinking needs to get taught. However, for these things to happen for middle and high school students, it should begin with teachers.
For example, educators need training in research and data-driven decision-making. That’s why an MA in Education such as the one offered by the University of Exeter is indispensable. The reality is that administrators and educators understand that educators must have vital training. In doing so, they can take what they learn into the classroom.
So, in a world that’s increasingly STEM-oriented, how can educators teach research skills to middle school students? Let’s explore that topic further.
What is research skills education?
Research skills education is the instruction, guidance and practice that supports student learning. For instance, students learn to ask questions, collect and analyze data, and find meaningful answers through research. It develops the skills to conduct research, such as finding and evaluating sources. It integrates it with the skills to communicate findings effectively, such as structuring an argument and using proper grammar.
Research skills education is a broad and flexible concept that can adapt to any grade level and content area. This education includes children as young as middle schoolers. However, it can be taught as part of a curriculum, such as biology or chemistry, or as a standalone course. Research skills can be integrated into English or social studies classes. For example, students can learn research skills to understand the history and background of English literature. As a result, it simulates real-world research situations.
Why is research skills education important?
Many skills that students learn in middle school can be applied later in life. Many of these skills aren’t directly linked to a specific field of study. They can apply across multiple subjects. Still, while it may seem too early to start teaching kids how to research in middle school, they need to understand how to do it as early as possible.
If kids learn how to research and collect data from an early age, it helps them in various situations later. For example, students might have to do a science project in middle school and research a topic for it. Or they might have to collect and present data for a history or even English class presentation. Whatever the situation, it’s essential for kids to grasp how to collect data and use it to support their points.
Five reasons why middle schoolers should learn research skills
As you can probably gather, learning research skills is incredibly beneficial to a child’s development. Here are some further reasons why this should be taught.
1. Finding information
A lot of the work that kids do in middle school, especially in English and history, is based on research. Students need to know how to find reliable and trusted information.
2. Finding a topic
Research skills are beneficial when it comes to finding a topic. Of course, middle schoolers often struggle to come up with topic ideas. If they know how to look for one, they will see that a subject practically jumps out at them.
3. Analyzing information
Once children gather their data, they need to analyze it to make conclusions and draw generalizations. Students need to learn to analyze information to present strong points.
4. Organizing information
Research skills help students organize information. They need to know how to manage their data to create compelling arguments and papers.
5. Putting pen to paper
Once kids collect and organize their information, they need to write it in their papers. Research skills education helps students learn how to think through their class papers.
Three ways that teachers can teach research skills in middle school
Teachers should try to incorporate research skills education into their classroom. Here are a few ways that this may be achievable.
1. Modeling good research practices
One of the best ways to teach research skills is to model good research practices. If children see their teachers following the same steps, they mimic them and apply those skills in their schoolwork more easily.
2. Connecting research to other subjects
Another great way to teach research skills is to connect research to other subjects. If children learn about a specific topic in social studies, get them to research it to find out more.
3. Giving kids opportunities to practice
The best way to teach research skills is to give students the opportunity to practice. For example, let them pick their topics, and then provide them with time for research to gather information and support their findings.
Two problem areas that require research skills
There are some educational areas in which children will need to be adept at researching. Examples of this are below.
1. Supporting claims
Children need research skills to support their claims. No matter what field they enter, they require evidence to back up their arguments. Teaching research is vital so that their arguments don’t get discounted as unreliable or unqualified.
2. Building ethical arguments
It’s vital to ensure that students and teachers have the best support and skills. As a result, students need research skills to build ethical arguments. People need to know how to back up their claims with legitimate data to help distinguish themselves as credible sources.
The time to start is now
Students who learn to conduct research early are better prepared for life after school, whether they go to college, enter the workforce, or tackle other areas of their lives. In short, critical thinking and research are required skills. We can apply research skills to almost any discipline, which is helpful to nearly every student. With that in mind, research skills education must become a bigger part of the K-12 curriculum. Only then can we give students the tools they need to thrive in the modern world.
Teaching research skills in middle school is essential because it’s the perfect time to start an early introduction to the skills. Students have the time to apply these skills and practice using them. As a result, the process will come more naturally when they reach high school. They will find the information they need and support their arguments with data. Most importantly, they will distinguish themselves as reliable, trustworthy sources in person and online. With the proper research skills education, all students have a better chance of succeeding in school and beyond.
