8.+Process+Journal

**Process Journal**

Why did you choose your topic? Are you still happy with your choice? I chose my topic to learn more about the young girl who changed gymnastics history. My love for gymnastics led me to research and present a piece of its history, and enjoy it along the way. Also, when I was in second grade, I did a project on Mary Lou Retton. She was another gymnast coached by Nadia's coach, and Nadia's name came up several times during my research. I had always had Nadia in the back of my mind, never really knowing much about her. I enjoyed researching a gymnast in second grade, so I figured that I would enjoy it again. I am still happy with my choice because along every step of this project, I have enjoyed the processes. Typically, I don’t enjoy what I study or learn about, but this is different. I LOVE what I am learning about so yes, I am still happy with my choice. What facts about your topic interested you most? Did this kind of project help you get a better understanding of your topic than you might have with a more traditional kind of research paper? If so, why and in what ways did it help? There were a few facts that stood out to me during my research. The most interesting one was how hard Nadia worked. She practiced six days a week, eight hours a day from the age of six and she always arrived early for practice. She also did more than required in strength/conditioning, yet her coach never truly knew her limits. If I were to have written a traditional research paper, I most likely wouldn’t have used her autobiography as a source. I used the book mainly for quotes and feelings to learn about her gymnastics, and may not have needed as many emotions and memories if I would have done a traditional research paper. I would have used other sources to find the most important hard, cold facts. Because of this project, I learned many sides of her story as I tried to research different information for each genre. By hearing all sides of the story, I could understand Nadia completely and learn more about my topic. How much information did you collect? How easy or hard was it to find information? I collected a lot more information than I expected. There were pages and pages of research in my FQI sheets. It was extremely easy to find information, which I didn’t expect. If I just searched “Nadia Comaneci” online, I would find many reliable websites, videos, or interviews that I could use. Then if I searched “Nadia Comaneci” in a library database, I found numerous books full of information on her. With all of the reliable resources that I found, it was easy to find an abundance of useful information. I didn't have one problem finding all of the information I needed to successfully complete this project. What did you learn about the research process from this project? Consider: the best places to find certain kinds of information; what sources are most credible; the best order for conducting your investigation; how to record information and sources; anything else that you learned or that confirmed what you already knew. I learned that the research process takes a long time. It may be a "drag" as I have heard some people say, but is very important to be done well in order for the rest of the project to be done correctly and efficiently. Databases are extremely helpful. There were at least 10 articles on Nadia when I searched her name, all with credible information. I only ended up using one article, because there were also five+ books in the library! Also, when I googled Nadia’s name (using the advanced search) I found over 15 credible websites! From this project, I learned that there is always a resource for a topic, but it takes effort to find credible ones. If googling a topic, I need to use advanced search to eliminate the commercial websites. Infoplease.com, I discovered, is a credible database and has practically everything. Easybib has still worked for me and given me the correct citations for sources, and I plan to use it in the future. The FQI sheets were very helpful. I used the “facts” column to record information in chronological order of when it happened (so I could cite quotes properly) and the interpretations to help me come up with ideas for my project. Although I did not use the questions in any part of my project, they forced me to think harder about my topic than I normally would have. I learned that this was a very beneficial way to take notes. What criteria did you use in deciding on the genres to include in your paper? What piece was the hardest or most challenging to write? Why? The most fun or interesting? Why? I used the list of genres on Mrs. Dabrush’s moodle page to decide on the genres that I was going to use. If I didn’t understand what a genre was, or was not at all familiar with it, I immediately ruled out the genre as a possibility. Then I narrowed the list down to my favorites and which ones would challenge me; after spending 5 weeks on this project, I wanted to learn something and become a better writer. With my narrowed-down list, I chose my four genres. The most challenging piece to write was the poem. I have always struggled with poetry in past years. Also, much to my dismay, I am not a natural poet. However, I thought that poetry would be a great way to convey the information about my topic. So I decided to take on the challenge for my multi-genre research project. The most fun genre to write was the how-to. I have been doing the bar routine that I described for awhile, and I never really thought about all the minuscule details and shapes such as in the tap swing. Now I learned something that I can relate to my personal gymnastics. I have never written a how-to before, but I think I will more often when given the opportunity. They are simple and quick to write, and when done correctly, can express a common theme and reveal important information. Writing my how-to was exceptionally enjoyable, which is why I chose it as the most fun genre to write. ||
 * **Date** || **List the** **items you** **worked on** **and/or** **completed** **each day.** || * **What road did you choose?** **Thoughts** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**Reflections** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**Concerns** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**Inspirations** <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**Contemplations** ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/7/12** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Went over the project, looked at the due dates, brainstormed topics || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">I think that if I were to choose the right topic, I could have a lot of fun with this project. Getting to choose makes the project more enjoyable, for one can do an in-depth research process with more passion while having fun with a topic they love. I believe that this will be one of the better projects of Middle School. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/8/12** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Found and cited 2+ resources || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">I have found an abundance of information very quickly, which means that there is a lot out there for me to filter through and study. This could be both good and bad. I could find all of the answers that I’m looking for, and get caught up in the material. So far I am having fun doing the research process, so this is a good sign. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/10/12** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Went to the library to get resources || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">I used one of my resources to start my third FQI sheet. I think my project is coming along well. The book that I chose at the library is a really interesting autobiography, so I believe I will have fun with this FQI sheet, even if it will be long. So far, I have no concerns because I have found all of my resources. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/16/12** || <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Worked on character and 4 <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; text-decoration: none;">th <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"> FQI sheet || <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Today, I developed my character. It was hard to think of an original one, for there are many real people that I could’ve based it off of. My 4 <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; text-decoration: none;">th <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"> FQI sheet is taking me awhile, because it is a 167 page autobiography and there is a lot of information in it. I think I am successfully keeping up with the project.  ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/18/12** || <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">4 <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; text-decoration: none;">th <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"> FQI sheet || <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Today I finished my 4 <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; text-decoration: none;">th <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"> FQI sheet, which was very long. There was a lot of information in the book which took a lot of time to take down. I already have my 5 <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; text-decoration: none;">th <span style="font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;"> resource, so I think that I am in good shape. I also have been thinking about what to write for my narrative, which I think will come out very well. The autobiography by Nadia gave me a lot of good information that will be very helpful for my project.  ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/22/12** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: Times-Roman,serif; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">Work on narrative. || Today I worked on my narrative. The story is beginning to develop, and I think I am at a good place. I am enjoying writing the story because I have a lot of background information on the topic. I find myself getting carried away and having my hands type too slow for my brain and its plan. My one concern is that I have so much to say and limited time to say it! I can’t wait to see what my narrative turns out to be! ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/28/12** || Brainstormed genres || Today I thought about what genres I was going to use for my project. I looked online at the moodle page and brainstormed which would work and which wouldn’t work. On Friday I finished the narrative, which helped me review the facts for my topic, get them back into my head and see what I remember. What I remembered must’ve been with the important or the interesting facts, so it was good to review them so I can use them in my project. I am looking forward to seeing what my project turns out to be. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**5/30/12** || Wrote poem and started timeline || Today I wrote my second genre, a poem. I planned it out in class with the “6 rooms” method, and it worked really well. It made my draft really easy and simple, and now I think I have a good poem going. It could still use some revision, but I basically have two genres now. I also began to draft my timeline, my third genre. I think that this will be a good way to convey important information. The multi-genre part of the project is not as hard as I thought it would be, and I feel better about it now. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**6/1/12** || Worked on timeline and repented || Today I worked on my timeline. Filtering which facts to use and not to use is difficult, but I still think this is a good choice of genre. I haven’t thought about what my other two genres will be, and have no idea what I’m going to do with them. However, I did find my repented, and what I am going to do for my repented. I don’t think that the rest of the project will take me very long. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**6/5/12** || Put how-to into Wiki and worked on letter || Today I put my how-to into Wikispaces. I also updated my title after looking at the scoring sheet and completed my bibliography. My letter is really interesting to write. Nadia had a lot of great quotes in her autobiography, so I get to use them when I pretend to write a letter from her perspective. I am almost done with the MGRP, and I feel good about what I have done. ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: comicsansms,cursive; text-align: right; text-decoration: none;">**6/7/12** ||  || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: ComicSansMS,cursive; font-size: 14px; text-decoration: none;">**For this last reflection, you should choose**  **four of the nine questions listed here:**

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: timesnewromanpsmt,serif; font-size: 20px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">**Process Journal Scoring Checklist**

<span style="color: #000000; display: block; font-family: timesnewromanpsmt,serif; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">Total Process Journal Points /50 points

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; font-size: 20px; text-decoration: none;">**Score A Date 5/28** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_ 10 points Student is up to date with her/his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is apparent. There is evidence of thoughtful reflection about the components of the project. The reader is not distracted by grammar/spelling errors.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_8-9 points Student is almost up to date with her/his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is visible. There is evidence of some reflection about the components of the project, but the journal is more of a list than a reflection at times. While there are some grammar/spelling errors, the reader is not distracted. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_5-6 points Student has fallen behind in his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is inconsistent; work needs to ramp up. The entries report rather than reflect. Reader is distracted by grammar/spelling errors. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_ 4 points There were no journal entries at the time of scoring. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; font-size: 20px; text-decoration: none;">**Score B ___ Date 6/5__** _10 points Student is up to date with her/his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is apparent. There is evidence of thoughtful reflection about the components of the project. The reader is not distracted by grammar/spelling errors.

___8-9 points Student is almost up to date with her/his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is visible. There is evidence of some reflection about the components of the project, but the journal is more of a list than a reflection at times. While there are some grammar/spelling errors, the reader is not distracted.__ ___5-6 points Student has fallen behind in his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is inconsistent; work needs to ramp up. The entries report rather than reflect. Reader is distracted by grammar/spelling errors.__ ___ 4 points There were no new journal entries at the time of scoring.__

__<span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">**Score C** __**_30 points** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; font-size: 20px; text-decoration: none;">**Date 6/9 30 points** <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_10 points Student is up to date with her/his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is apparent. There is evidence of thoughtful reflection about the components of the project. The reader is not distracted by grammar/spelling errors.

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_8-9 points Student is almost up to date with her/his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is visible. There is evidence of some reflection about the components of the project, but the journal is more of a list than a reflection at times. While there are some grammar/spelling errors, the reader is not distracted. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_5-6 points Student has fallen behind in his journal entries. Progress toward the final collection is inconsistent; work needs to ramp up. The entries report rather than reflect. Reader is distracted by grammar/spelling errors. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_ 4 points There were no new journal entries at the time of scoring. <span style="color: #487dc6; display: block; font-family: timesnewromanpsmt,serif; font-size: 22px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">**Plus** _10 points Student answered more than four of the final reflection questions with thoughtful and thorough responses. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_8-9 points Student answered four of the final reflection questions with thoughtful and thorough responses. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_5-6 points Students answered some of the final reflection questions. The responses answered the questions with little elaboration or insight. <span style="color: #000000; font-family: TimesNewRomanPSMT,serif; text-decoration: none;">_ 4 points Student did not answer any of the reflection questions.