Researching a topic on the internet........

My eldest grand-daughter (13) had a project from school about Martin Luther King. She duly borrowed my PC and then showed me her work. Spot on, but when I asked her what (for example) 'segregation' meant, she was very vague.

I think the internet is a great tool, but what it doesn't provide is understanding. Much is copied, but not all is understood.

Anyone agree?

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

Definitely agree Alice - discussion on topics need to take place in the classroom and questions asked too, that's how it was for me and enjoyed that. Too much reliance on computers I think ......

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

I think you've summed up the problem with modern education. Children now have access to massive amounts of information, far more than we ever had, and at times too much.

However, facts and information do not teach people how to understand or how to learn, they only provide, well, information.

Someone I knew once summarised it as "in the past schools taught pupils how to learn, now they teach them what to learn"

To research a topic, you need to have a basic understanding of what you are looking for. That should be provided by schools and teachers

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

Hi Alice,
Yes, I agree with you, however many words that are not 'commonly used' will have the same result, as I have found myself, on occasions...
That is where a dictionary would be a useful tool. something that may not be used as often as it used to be...
Perhaps you could encourage her to have a 'home' project occasionally to add to her vocabulary.
Well done to you both for the enthusiasm that you created...
Regards,
Malc.

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

I agree the kids have always used computers and then when I checked their homework I would ask them questions it made them careful to make sure they really understood and hadn't just copied swathes of text. I think that should be done in school but sadly targets etc mean they have less time to teach about things and seem to just want to get them through exams.

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

Can't help myself - I have a teaching background and I want C to understand what she's dealing with. Spouting words doesn't necessarily mean that.

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

I used to tell my youngest to write it in her own words, that way she had to ask me if she didn't understand bits. Also to get information from books as well and put it all together.

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

Excellent advice, Twiz!

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

I was one of those children who was always asking questions - who, why, where, etc., my ever patient Aunt being the usual victim of my interrogations. She would smile sweetly and say "Child, see if you can find out for yourself - if you cannot - ask me again tomorrow and I will tell you". Nine times out of ten I did find out for myself (we lived near the library) but it always amazed me that, if I had to ask her again, Auntie Chris knew the answer. I grew up believing that she knew everything and was in my early 20s before she revealed that she was buying time to go and look things up!

Re: Researching a topic on the internet........

Now thats a smart lady