Sep 29 2007
Weaving
According to Lamb’s 8W Weaving stage, “weaving consist of organizing ideas, creating models and formulating plans. While organizing my ideas, I am collecting information as defined by Kuhlthau (Callison and Preddy, p. 40)–task–gathering information that supports the focus–my focus– diet, exercise, calories, portion control and a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet. Thoughts–Involves defining and extending the focus areas–I am defining the resources I want to select by organization techniques. In addition, I am extending the focus areas by finding similarities in my findings. For example, all sensible diet plans stress, exercise, portion control and healthy eating.
I am also preparing to present my findings. This is also a stage in Kuhlthau’s stages (Callison and Preddy, p. 40). Now I am trying to determine what is the best way to present the information, blog, PowerPoint, Website, Slide-show, etc. Also I am considering what sources will be used. I have so much information. So true are Stripling’s comments regarding the greater the interest, the more likely a researcher is to commit greater effort to the research project (Stripling and Hassell, p. 149). As I have stated in earlier posts, I have a true interest in weight loss–due to my struggles in maintaining a healthy weight.
During this stage, I decided to try concept mapping. This is new to me—usually I just brainstorm in an outline format and doodle my findings. Yet, I have read so much about concept mapping that I wanted to at least try the process. According to Cawelti (1999) concept maps result in achieved academic performance (Stripling and Hassell, p. 51). Likewise, according to Millet (2000); Shaw et al. (1999); Sinatra (2000), graphic organizers require learners to show how to construct knowledge learned and cause students to better summarize their research findings (Stripling and Hassell, p. 52). Thus, I decided to try this method. My concept maps are attached:
In synthesizing my information for preparation of the final product, I created a basic brainstorm chart in Word. This provided me with the ability to focus more and to select product topics. As I was designing the chart, I thought about McKenzie’s Research cycle (Callison and Preddy, p. 56). McKenzie’s cycle includes:
Synthesizing/evaluating information.
My action–I am continually synthesizing and evaluation information in preparation for the product.
Revising plan–revisit more more sources.
My action– As I prepare my product, I am mentally revising my plan, as well as visiting the Internet sources to obtain more information. I am sure this process will continue as I prepare the product.
Here is my brainstorm chart:
synthesizing-brainstorm-ideas.doc
In regards to other organizational techniques, my notes are on post-it notes, personal voice recorders, voice mail, my cell phone note pad, wall calender, notebooks and other scraps of paper. I have some notes in a folder and now I am beginning the process of sorting the information.
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Last year I joined Weight Watchers and I was able to lose thirty pounds in about five months. Like your research shows: diet, exercise, and portion control are the keys to weight loss. However I found the support of the other people in WW really helped me the most.
I was wondering if you had considered making a brochure with support groups listed in it? I was not able to view your brainstorming documents about your project so I apologize if you had already mentioned this. Whether the support group is online or in person, I think their help is invaluable.
I tried to post earlier, but I don’t think it showed so I am sorry if this is a repeat.
You mentioned that all sensible diet plans stress, exercise, portion control and healthy eating. Last year I joined Weight Watchers and lost 30 pounds. I have sensed gained that back since I had my baby, but we won’t talk about that. The one thing I loved about Weight Watchers was the support of the people at the meetings. I was wondering if you thought of including any support groups in your final project? The support group is what really helped me lose my weight.
I like the idea of mapping out ideas for the final product. I struggled with this for a long time. I know that finding the presentation format is one of the last parts of the 8 W’s but I found that I was unable to organize my info. to my liking until I knew what my product would be.
Thanks for the feedback. Brooke, I was considering making a brochure regarding the mind/body connection and weight loss. I still have not decided if I want to do a brochure or a PowerPoint show. Support groups do help one to stay on track.
Vikki,
Thanks for your feedback. I was having the same problem regarding what to product to select. I think I have narrowed my choices to a PP presentation or a Publisher brochure. I agree with you, it is easier to organize the information when you know the product.