Model+3+IIM

Type in the content of your page here.

Model 3 **The Independent Investigation Method(IIM) Karen Latz**

With the invention of new technology always emerging, one would think that it would be very simple to teach students how to do research. However, many teachers find that students are overwhelmed with the information they find. Others say that more students are plagiarizing because they can easily copy and paste information from the Internet. Good researching skills must be taught. It cannot be assumed that students know how to do this.

The Independent Investigation Method(IIM) is a wonderful way to teach research. It reduces the problems that were mentioned in the above paragraph. It focuses on the process and the learners.

There are different approaches to teaching information literacy. The Independent Investigation Method(IIM) is created with the philosophy that the focus is on the user-the student doing the research. It is not a pre-programmed unit of a sequence of skills. Like some of the other models, IIM involves students identifying their topic and gathering information about it.
 * History/Background **

There are seven steps to the IIM Method. To begin with, students must **choose a topic.** (IIMresearch.com) suggests that teachers have students do concept maps, KWL and other graphic organizers to help them narrow down their topic. It also suggests that students look at different sources of information and go on field trips (Ex-museums). Questions and also write a question from each level of Bloom’s taxonomy.([|www.iimresearch.com])
 * Steps **
 * The second step is to have students set goals.** The article says that “setting goals is the key to the information process!” The article suggests to have students write open-ended


 * The third IIM steps is the RESEARCH** step. Students need to be taught how to use index cards, cite information so that they do not plagiarize. They will learn new vocabulary that pertains to their subject.

The article from (IIMresearch.com) suggests that teachers teach students to use timelines, graphs and charts. Many students do not know what information to include in their paper. Teachers need to teach them how to decide if information is relevant or if they should discard it.
 * Step four is Organizing the information **

This is where students go back and check to see if what they researched matches their initial goals they set. If students write in a journal and use a checklist before, during and after they research, they can ensure that their goals are being met.
 * Step Five is Goal Evaluation stage **

Give students rubrics to help them evaluate their own papers as they go. Teach students to consider who the audience is they are writing for ( [|www.IIMresearch.com] )
 * Goal Six is Product **

Students are taught to present the information they learned. They do not read their research paper out loud. It can not be assumed that students know how to present their work. Teachers need to show them how to make a plan, use a microphone and use public speaking skills. (research.com)
 * Step 7 is Presentation **

There are several benefits of using IIM. Educators like IIM because it simplifies the research process for students. One would think that technology would simplify the research process, however teachers have been frustrated over how to best teach it. “The IIM does it-teaches students how to do research. It is a model that guides primary, intermediate, and secondary students through research process. IIM gives teachers the tools to teach and monitor the skills.”(IIMresearch.com) Another benefit of IIM is that It is based on the Illinois Learning Standards. Teachers’ lesson plans need to include the standards. Why reinvent the wheel? Use IIM. Another benefit of IIM is that students are taught how to cite information they borrow from sources. This reduces the amount of plagiarism because students are taught what it is and how to cite their sources. Although I have not found any research that mentions weaknesses of the IIM method, the method could be slightly intimidating to a first time user. However, if modeled correctly through guided instruction, it is a very effective model. It will take time for students to be able to do this independently. According to the steps in ( [|www.IIMresearch.com], primary students do not do the model independently. However, intermediate students implement IIM independently. I would add to the research step the value of teaching students to look at the data and checking to make sure that the material is current. They should also try to find at least two sources that support findings. Although it can be an effective research took, the Internet is not always reliable. Students need to be taught that and to find two sources that support their findings. On the whole, the IIM method is a very effective way to teach students how to conduct research.
 * Strengths and Weaknesses **

Active Learning Systems, Initials. (2005). //Iim independent investigation method//. Retrieved from http://www.iimresearch.com
 * References **

Diekman, L. (2010). //RLS514summer10//. Retrieved July 1, 2010 from http://www.rls514summer10.wikispaces.com