Baltimore County Public Schools
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Guide Template – Independent Research Course
Independent Research Course
Unit Overview
Grade/Content Independent Research Seminar
Area
Unit Title
Unit 4b: Writing a Research Proposal
Unit Summary The unit is designed to provide scaffolding for students as they write their
research proposals. Students will be able to:
 Explain why a title is so important to a research proposal
 Identify the characteristics of effective introductions
 State the problem in a teacher-selected research proposal
 Summarize the differences between goals and objectives in a research
investigation
 Define subject-specific and technical research terms
 Cite the significance of investigations included in the literature review
 Describe the factors that impact the decision to use questions or an
hypothesis in the research proposal
 Compare and contrast qualitative and quantitative research methods
 Write an extended constructed response characterizing the role of the
researcher in the research process
 Identify the pros and cons of the following data collection and analysis
procedures: interview, observations, focus groups, case studies,
questionnaires/surveys, and document reviews
 Generate a list of the various ways in which ethics impacts the research
process
 Define reliability and validity of methods and results
 Explain how a timetable and management plan affects the investigation
Theme
1. Inquiry provides a framework for learning.
Statements/End
2. Research is a process.
uring
3. Enduring understanding is enriched by examining multiple perspectives
Understanding
and models.
Essential
1. How does the research proposal provide a framework for learning?
Question(s)
2. How does each step in the research process build upon the prior steps?
3. How does viewing multiple perspectives and models help you develop
a deeper understanding?
Key Concepts
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
Vocabulary
7/19/2010
Quantitative and qualitative approaches to research methods and design
are complementary and can often overlap.
The goal statement outlines the purpose of the research.
Questions and hypotheses are testable explanations proposed before the
methodology of a project is conducted.
Each of the different data collection and analysis procedures has pros and
cons.
If the results of a study can be reproduced using a similar methodology,
then, the research methods are considered reliable.
Validity determines whether the research truly measures what it was
intended to measure.
quantitative, qualitative, validity, reliability, methodology
Baltimore County Public Schools
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Guide Template – Independent Research Course
Alignment:
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner:
Standard 2.0 - Learners use skills, resources, and tools to draw conclusions,
make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new
knowledge. (2.0)
2.1.1 Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical-thinking
skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and
knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and
create new knowledge.
2.1.3 Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply
knowledge to curricular areas, real-world situations, and further investigations.
2.1.4 Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize
information.
2.3.1 Connect understanding to the real world.
Estimated Unit
Length
Learning
Preferences
Differentiation
for Skills
/Strategies
Instruction
Digital
Content, Tools,
and Resources
Assessments
(Completion of
various research
process steps)
Independent
Assignments
(home, school,
mentor)
Lesson Titles
7/19/2010
MD Technology Literacy Standards for Students:
Standard 6.0 – Technology for Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:
Demonstrate ability to use technology and develop strategies to solve problems
and make informed decisions
Step 3 - Carry Out the Plan
• Collect data and information using technology tools
• Use communication tools to gather information
• Make and record observations using technology
Seven Period Day: 8 days
Four Period Day: 16 days
Visual
Auditory
Kinesthetic
Tactile
Field Dependent
Active
Field Independent
Reflective
Global
Sequential
All digital content can be differentiated by lexile.
Self-paced, online tutorials address specific deficits.
Text-to-speech can be utilized as needed.
Graphic organizers are provided to scaffold learning.
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/develop.html
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/key_elements.html
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/develop_writing.html
Reflection journals (9)
Venn diagram
Visual definition
Online notebook
Home assignments: reflection journals, online notebook, visual definition
Key Concepts/Big
Standards Alignment
Brief Description or
Baltimore County Public Schools
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Guide Template – Independent Research Course
Ideas Addressed in
Overview
Lessons
“The Title Page”
Word choices and
2.1.1 Continue an
Explain why a title is
syntax must be
inquiry-based
so important to a
precise to convey
research process by
research proposal
meaning..
applying criticalthinking skills
(analysis, synthesis,
evaluation,
organization) to
information and
knowledge in order to
construct new
understandings, draw
conclusions, and
create new
knowledge.
“Effective
Introductions”
Effective
introductions convey
the nature, context,
and scope of the
research project.
2.1.1 Continue an
inquiry-based
research process by
applying criticalthinking skills
(analysis, synthesis,
evaluation,
organization) to
information and
knowledge in order to
construct new
understandings, draw
conclusions, and
create new
knowledge.
Identify the
characteristics of
effective
introductions
“Identifying the
Problem”
Enduring
understanding is
enriched by
examining multiple
perspectives and
models.
2.1.1 Continue an
inquiry-based
research process by
applying criticalthinking skills
(analysis, synthesis,
evaluation,
organization) to
information and
knowledge in order to
construct new
understandings, draw
conclusions, and
create new
knowledge.
State the problem in a
teacher-selected
research proposal
7/19/2010
Baltimore County Public Schools
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Guide Template – Independent Research Course
“Goals and
Objectives in
Research”
The goal statement
outlines the purpose
of the research.
2.1.1 Continue an
inquiry-based
research process by
applying criticalthinking skills
(analysis, synthesis,
evaluation,
organization) to
information and
knowledge in order to
construct new
understandings, draw
conclusions, and
create new
knowledge.
Summarize the
differences between
goals and objectives
in a research
investigation
“Research
Vocabulary”
Knowledge of subjectspecific vocabulary
enhances
understanding.
2.1.4 Use technology
and other information
tools to analyze and
organize information.
Define subjectspecific and technical
research terms
“Significance of
Investigations”
The significance of an
investigation is
determined by its
importance to the
individual conducting
the research and its
impact on society.
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
from information and
apply knowledge to
curricular areas, realworld situations, and
further investigations.
Cite the significance
of investigations
included in the
literature review
“Question or
Hypothesis?”
Questions and
hypotheses are
testable explanations
proposed before the
methodology of a
project is conducted.
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
from information and
apply knowledge to
curricular areas, realworld situations, and
further investigations.
Describe the factors
that impact the
decision to use
questions or an
hypothesis in the
research proposal
“Qualitative and
Quantitative Research
Methods”
Quantitative and
qualitative
approaches to
research methods and
design are
complementary and
can often overlap.
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
from information and
apply knowledge to
curricular areas, realworld situations, and
further investigations.
Compare and contrast
qualitative and
quantitative research
methods
“The Role of the
Researcher”
The researcher’s role
may affect the
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
Write an extended
constructed response
7/19/2010
Baltimore County Public Schools
Division of Curriculum and Instruction
Curriculum Guide Template – Independent Research Course
methodology,
from information and characterizing the role
outcomes, and
apply knowledge to of the researcher in
analysis of findings.
curricular areas, real- the research process
world situations, and
further investigations.
“Data Collection and
Analysis Procedures”
Each of the different
data collection and
analysis procedures
has pros and cons.
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
from information and
apply knowledge to
curricular areas, realworld situations, and
further investigations.
“Ethics in Research”
Enduring
understanding is
enriched by
examining multiple
perspectives and
models.
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
from information and
apply knowledge to
curricular areas, realworld situations, and
further investigations.
“Reliability and
Validity”
If the results of a
study can be
reproduced using a
similar methodology,
then, the research
methods are
considered reliable.
Validity determines
whether the research
truly measures what it
was intended to
measure.
A management plan
increases the
likelihood of
successful completion
of complex tasks.
2.1.3 Use strategies
to draw conclusions
from information and
apply knowledge to
curricular areas, realworld situations, and
further investigations.
Define reliability and
validity of methods
and results
2.3.1 Connect
understanding to the
real world.
Explain how a
timetable and
management plan
affects the
investigation
“Managing the
Research”
7/19/2010
Identify the pros and
cons of the following
data collection and
analysis procedures:
interview,
observations, focus
groups, case studies,
questionnaires,
surveys, and
document reviews
Generate a list of the
various ways in which
ethics impacts the
research process