**Lesson Plan: Research and Citation Skills**
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Year:** 9
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Objective:**
1. Students will understand the importance of and techniques for effective research.
2. Students will learn how to properly cite sources using MLA format.
3. Students will practise integrating research and citations into their writing.
**Materials Needed:**
- Interactive whiteboard or projector
- Handouts on MLA formatting rules
- Sample texts with citations
- Access to the internet or library for research
- Notebooks or laptops for writing exercises
---
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Starter Activity:**
Begin with a brief discussion on what students know about research and why it is important. Ask them to share any previous experiences they have with conducting research for school projects.
2. **Objective Overview:**
Explain what they will be learning today: effective research strategies, proper citation using MLA format, and integrating research into writing.
**Direct Instruction (15 minutes):**
1. **Research Skills Presentation:**
- Discuss the steps of effective research (identifying a topic, finding credible sources, taking notes, organizing information).
- Highlight different types of sources (books, journals, websites) and the importance of evaluating credibility.
2. **Citation Skills Presentation:**
- Introduce MLA format and its importance in avoiding plagiarism.
- Provide examples of different types of citations (books, articles, websites).
- Show sample in-text citations and Works Cited page entries.
**Guided Practice (20 minutes):**
1. **Research Exercise:**
- Divide students into small groups and assign each group a research topic relevant to current classwork.
- Allow students to use the internet or school library to find credible sources.
- Walk around to assist groups and answer questions.
2. **Citation Exercise:**
- Provide students with a handout of incorrectly formatted citations.
- Have students work in pairs to correct these citations according to MLA format.
**Independent Practice (10 minutes):**
- Ask students to write a brief paragraph on their research topic, incorporating at least one in-text citation and creating a Works Cited entry for their source.
**Conclusion (5 minutes):**
1. **Review:**
Recap the main points of the lesson: effective research strategies, MLA citation rules, and integrating research into writing.
2. **Homework Assignment:**
Assign students to continue researching their topic and develop a one-page report with proper citations, to be presented in the next class.
---
**Assessment:**
- Formative: Monitor group discussions and activities to gauge understanding and provide immediate feedback.
- Summative: Evaluate the homework assignment for proper research techniques and accurate use of MLA citations.
---
**Differentiation:**
- Provide additional resources or one-on-one support for students who find the material challenging.
- Offer extension activities for advanced students, such as practicing APA or Chicago style citations.
---
**Reflection:**
After the lesson, reflect on what worked well and what could be improved for future lessons. Gather student feedback to adjust pacing and materials for optimal learning.