From Research to I-Search: Creating Lifelong Learners for the 21st Century

The ability to conduct research with fidelity is undeniably a life skill that not only benefits students when working for an academic grade, but in everyday decisions of varying degrees of importance. From something minor like choosing a new recipe for the evening's meal to more critical and life determining decisions such as committing to a lifelong relationship, the ability to conduct reliable and purposeful research is an essential life skill upon which happiness is closely linked.

The I-Search process differs from traditional research in that it focuses as much on the process as the product of research. I-Search requires the researcher to identify what he or she already knows about the topic, what questions he or she would like answered, what knowledge others hold on the topic, and how that new knowledge has enriched and changed his or her understanding of the topic. • Relates to all content areas • Helps students practice 21st century skills and lifelong learning • Reinforces Common Core State Standards • Allows struggling students to practice research skills • Helps students develop critical literacy tools • Perfect for teams to collaborate on the research process

Dr. Bruno is an 8th grade literacy teacher at Hadley Junior High in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, with 26 years of experience in the field of education. She has an EdD in teacher leadership and is Nationally Board Certified. Her areas of specialization include adolescent literacy, reading and writing workshop, teaching effective lifelong learning, learning theory and pedagogical practice, democratic classrooms and teaching at the middle level. Dr. Bruno's scholarly research focuses on instructional practices that empower and challenge young adolescents to take charge of their own learning and develop the dispositions and skills necessary to prosper in the 21st century.