Using Padlet as a research resource

Here is a Padlet wall I created to post all of my relevant resources for my research paper.

I'm just stockpiling articles here.  That way I don't have to print them out or waste bookmarks on them.

Created with Padlet

Tips --

* keep track of your sources.

* I know it's old world, but think about keeping a working bibliography, which is like a running works cited.  If I were to create one, what I will do is cite all of the sources on my Padlet site and then maybe have just one or two lines recapping how the source relates to my paper.

* Remember that the traditional thesis/support paper works in reverse (it assumes you know what you want to write about ahead of time), so if you choose the traditional format, you'll want to do the research first and then develop your thesis.  Trust me - I've spent a ton of time learning this lesson the hard way.  I would sit in my dorm, staring at my tablet trying to devise my thesis before I had actually done any research.  That is the perfect storm for procrastination.  Instead, develop a working thesis (for example - Lego has been able to stay relevant because they are constantly innovating, they branch out into different media, and they are not afraid to move on from bad ideas.)  Now, that is a working thesis.

* Let your working thesis guide your research.  In my example above, I will let my working thesis guide all of my research.  So if I come across a long chapter or article about the history of Lego and how it functions as a company, I'm not going to spend time reading that, for it isn't related to my thesis.  However, if I cannot find any information about how Lego branches into different media, then I'm going to edit that out of my thesis and add something else in.  So keep an eye out for possible supporting topics in your research.

* Don't think you have to write your paper in order.  Man, how I wish I would have known this during my undergrad days!  Start with your thesis.  Then write whatever supporting paragraphs come easiest to you.  This will help give you momentum and give you a feeling of accomplishment.  That will come in handy later on in the writing process if you ever feel you're losing steam.

* Keep track of your direct quotes.  Use your quotes to support your ideas.  In-text citation is vital, so be sure you cite it correctly using MLA.

* Work on this in chunks.  This should be - gulp, gasp - enjoyable.  Remember, you chose the topic.  I urged you to choose a topic you are interested in and want to learn about.  The best research happens when you are open to learning new information.  That is what I want to see happening in your paper.