Lesson Plan | Teachy Methodology | Information Search

Objectives

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to clearly define the main objectives that will guide the activities and student learning. The objectives provide a specific focus, helping both the teacher and the students to understand what is expected to be achieved by the end of the lesson. These objectives are essential to ensure that students acquire the necessary skills to conduct effective and critical research, using varied and appropriate sources.

Main Objectives

1. Identify different research sources, both in books and on the internet.

2. Develop the ability to conduct research on various topics independently.

Side Objectives

1. Promote critical thinking in choosing research sources.
2. Encourage digital competence in navigating online information.

Introduction

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

 Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to engage students from the beginning of the lesson, stimulating curiosity and active participation. By asking them to find and share information, students become familiar with the topic in a practical and dynamic way, creating an environment conducive to debates and reflections. The key questions help direct critical thinking and understanding about the importance of using and validating different research sources.

Warming Up

 Warm-up: Start the class by briefly explaining the importance of knowing how to research information. Mention that in today's world, there is a vast amount of information available, and knowing how to filter and identify reliable sources is essential. Ask students to use their phones to look for an interesting fact about a topic of their choice related to information research. It can be something curious or recent, encouraging them to share with the class. This will help promote interest and participation from the start of the lesson.

Initial Reflections

1. What is the difference between a reliable source and an unreliable one?

2. What types of information can you find in a book that you may not find on the internet, and vice versa?

3. How can we verify if information found on the internet is true?

4. Why is it important to use different research sources to obtain information?

Development

Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

The purpose of this stage of the lesson plan is to provide a practical and interactive experience that challenges students to apply their research skills in a real-world and current context. The activities are designed to be engaging and educational, utilizing technologies that students are already familiar with and enjoy using while promoting critical thinking and digital competence.

Activity Suggestions

It is recommended that only one of the suggested activities be carried out

Activity 1 - Social Media Investigators

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Develop research and critical analysis skills while investigating the truthfulness of viral information on social media.

- Description: Students will use their research skills to investigate a news item that went viral on social media. They must analyze the truthfulness of the information using different sources, such as news websites, blogs, and social media posts.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Each group will choose a recent viral news item to investigate.

• Students will use their phones and computers to search for information about the news from different sources: news websites, blogs, and social media.

• Each group must create a digital document (it can be a slide presentation or a written report) with the following sections: Summary of the original news, Sources found, Analysis of the reliability of the sources, Conclusion about the truthfulness of the news.

• Conclude with a presentation of the documents to the class, highlighting the conclusions about the truthfulness of the news.

Activity 2 - Fake News Detectives

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Teach students to use fact-checking tools and develop critical skills to distinguish between true and false information.

- Description: Students will perform the role of digital detectives investigating fake news. Using fact-checking tools, they will have to determine if a particular piece of news is true or false.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Distribute to each group a list of suspicious news items or those that have been proven false.

• Each group will use online fact-checking tools (such as e-Farsas, Agência Lupa, Boatos.org) to investigate the truthfulness of the news items.

• Students must document the fact-checking process, indicating the sources used and the evidence found to support their conclusions.

• Each group will present their findings to the class, explaining why the news was true or false and the techniques used to reach that conclusion.

Activity 3 - Game Show: Information Hunters

> Duration: 60 - 70 minutes

- Objective: Encourage quick and effective research, promoting the use of reliable sources in a playful and competitive manner.

- Description: Turn the classroom into a fun game show where students compete to find reliable information as quickly as possible. Using smartphones and computers, they will answer questions related to various topics, demonstrating their research skills.

- Instructions:

• Divide the class into groups of up to 5 students.

• Prepare a series of questions on varied topics that require research to be answered (e.g., 'What is the capital of Australia?', 'Who wrote Dom Casmurro?').

• The groups will have a limited time to find the answers using the internet and their research skills.

• For each correct answer that is verified with a reliable source, the group earns points.

• At the end of the stipulated time, the group with the most points wins and receives a small reward or recognition.

Feedback

Duration: 20 - 25 minutes

 Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning through reflection and collaborative discussion. This discussion allows students to share their experiences and learn from each other, reinforcing the concepts of research and verification of information. The 360° feedback fosters a constructive learning environment and encourages the development of social and communication skills.

Group Discussion

 Group Discussion: Start the discussion by bringing the groups together to share their experiences and conclusions obtained during the activities. A brief script that can be used to introduce the discussion is: 'Now that everyone has had the opportunity to investigate and analyze different news and information, let’s share what we learned. Each group, please briefly explain the news you investigated, what sources were used, how you determined the truthfulness of the information, and what your main conclusions were. We will also discuss any challenges faced and how those challenges were overcome.'

Reflections

1.  What were the most important criteria you used to determine if a source was reliable or not? 2. ️ How did this activity change the way you view information found on the internet? 3.  What is the most significant difference between the information found in books and on the internet during your research?

360° Feedback

 360° Feedback: Guide students to participate in a 360° feedback stage. Each student should receive feedback from other group members regarding their contribution during the activity. Suggest that the feedback be constructive and respectful, including at least one strength and one suggestion for improvement. For example: 'Maria was excellent at organizing the information but could have shared her ideas more during the discussion.' This helps promote a culture of mutual support and personal growth.

Conclusion

Duration: 10 - 15 minutes

 Purpose: The purpose of this stage is to consolidate learning and reinforce the importance of the skills acquired. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for students to reflect on how they can apply these skills in their daily lives, connecting the lesson to the real and contemporary world. This conclusion helps to reinforce knowledge in a fun and memorable way, finishing the lesson in a significant and impactful manner.

Summary

️‍♂️ Digital Detectives: Throughout this lesson, students transformed into true digital detectives! Using online and offline research tools, they explored the vast universe of available information to distinguish between true and false news. They analyzed sources, verified the truthfulness of information, and developed essential critical skills for the digital age.

World Connection

 In Today's World: We live in an age of information where everyone is constantly connected and bombarded by news at all times. Knowing how to differentiate a reliable source from a dubious one is a crucial skill. The ability to research and verify information not only helps in school but also prepares students to be informed and critical citizens, ready to navigate the digital world with safety and responsibility.

Practical Application

 Applications in Daily Life: The topic presented is essential for students' daily lives, as the ability to research reliable information is valuable for both their schoolwork and personal lives. Whether choosing a source for a homework assignment or verifying the truthfulness of a news item shared on social media, students will be better prepared to navigate the sea of information that surrounds them.