Weaving (Synthesizing)

Weaving: (Synthesizing)

My old outdated style for synthesizing information was to keep recipe cards with information that I had gathered. On each card I also placed the citation. Of course, many teachers used to find this adequate. Today we know that more complex learning is possible. Weaving focuses on the application, analysis, and synthesis of information.[1]

As technology progressed, I have found that students do a lot of cut and paste. I think that can lead to plagiarism and a lower level of thinking. Dr. Lamb has found that “Rather than weaving a fine fabric, they (students) create a quilt of unrelated pieces of information.”[2] Synthesizing involves a much more sophisticated form of processing information. According to Callison, “synthesis is not just the act of summarizing, paraphrasing, or abstracting information from a document as several models for information search and basic student research imply. Synthesis should also include extracting inferences that link selected findings together in a logical and meaningful pattern.”[3]


Where I am now!
If I was to define where I am based on Kuthlthau’s ISP model, I have moved from the Exploration Information phase- with task of investigating information with the intent to find focus to Formulating Focus. Currently, I am beginning the Collecting Information phase- with the task of gathering information that defines, extends and supports the focus. . Kuthlthau’s model suggests that the student will feel confidence and a realization that extensive work is already completed. She also suggests that motivation will increase. I definitely have emotions associated with this process; I am currently really excited about my project. I do feel a sense of pressure because of the deadline and also a feeling that I need to not let this grow too big. Nonetheless, I can visualize where I want to go with this project.

I am a visual learner, so to “see” my project more clearly I have created a chart. I used Kidspiration to make it. It was easy to use and an effective tool. I think students would benefit by creating mental maps or charts to graph where they are and where they are going. Callison emphasizes that “concept mapping serves the purpose of helping the learner clarify what he or she has just read or heard.”

According to scholars Lynne Anderson-Inman and Leslie Ditson:
Concept mapping can help students' remember information longer.
Concept mapping may help some learning disabled students learn better.
Concept mapping can help student’s master complex, synthetic material.
Concept mapping can help teachers track students' mastery of a subject area.
Computer-based concept mapping is quick, easy, and efficient.[4]


Order 1.title: Haida Way 2. The Origins 3. The family 4. Livlihood 5. Art 6. Myths



Looking at this graph, I can see what the themes are and questions I will need to address. I am considering creating an answer chart with key words and links. I also want my project to incorporate many styles of learning (visual, information, media and technology literacy.) How can I do that? I think the power point might be useful. I could have images, maps, text and links to sites and also graphs.

What else do I do with weaving?

Compare:
At this stage, I need to look at the different resources - ask myself are they alike or different? Look at the different types of information and discard any I may not need.

Organize:
What is a good way to organize the information? Identify key ideas. (I have done this in my chart.) Cluster information together. From the graph it is clear that I am clustering topics. Determine a logical order of presentation. I have selected the order to be as the graph states (by the numbers)

Analyze:
I am beginning to look at the information from different perspectives. I feel that the area of Art and Myth are somewhat linked but need to be separate. I also have combined more information about families. I have added homes, leisure etc.

I will need to return to these questions and also look at the holes. Do I need to add or subtract content?

I am going to eat lunch and will return to address some of these questions.





[1] Lamb, Annette. Information inquiry: Weaving. http://eduscapes.com/info/topic71e.htm, accessed Oct 1, 2006
[2] Lamb, Annette. Information inquiry: Weaving. http://eduscapes.com/info/topic71e.htm, accessed Oct 1, 2006

[3] Callison, Daniel. The Blue Book: Callison, Daniel. "Key Words, Concepts and Methods for Information Age Instruction: A Guide to Teaching Information Inquiry," p. 563


[4] Scholars Identify Strategies for Using Concept Mapping Techniques for Teaching. http://www.ncrel.literacy.smartlibrary.info/NewInterface/segment.cfm?segment=2290&table_of_contents=1651. Accessed October 1, 2006