The i-Search can be--Fun?

I think we were supposed to blog on this subject, right? Either way, here it is:

I must apologize to Dr. Kearney for having (secretly) thought that this paper was going to be a real bore. As she mentioned that we would have to start thinking about it, the only thought that came to my mind was oh, here we go again. Do you blame me? I mean, haven't we all felt that research papers can be burdensome and trying at some point in our lives? Let's face it; As a student and potential teacher, I have a a hard time reading/writing these darned things--especially when the vernacular gets too heavy.

This article was surprisingly great. When Julie first handed it to us, I immediately thought about having to read another--ughh--term paper. I stuffed it into my notebook thinking, yeah, right, I'll get to this--like never. I pulled it out and perused the pages this morning over my coffee (because in my town, the Merchandiser is always late) and was really surprised by how well it was written. In fact, it motivated me to start writing my own. Mind you, this is definitely the first time I've ever jumped at the chance to write a research paper--it usually only succeeds in motivating me to procrastinate. I'm sick to death of researching topics that are thrown at me from other teachers. If it's not something I want to learn about, my paper is definitely going to reflect that--as they always have. Blah, Blah, Blah...You get the point.

Macrorie's personal descriptions of Mexico were excellent, as he laid out the foundations of how to write an informative paper. It kept my attention (having always thought of vacationing there myself) while helping me focus on my own topic choices and how to go about researching them. What really amazed me, was his inclusion of other students' writing and their equally interesting experiences researching topics that I'm not even the slightest bit interested in. I actually read the whole paper without breaking for a half an hour, or answering the phone. I was delighted at the propect of coming up with my own topic; and relieved to hear that I could. The motivation behind papers such as these lies in researching something we're interested in--exactly what I wanted from this education I will spend a fortune on. This has never been taught to me before. Thank you, Dr. Kearney!

Now, all I have to do is follow the steps given in the document (sorry, it makes it sound so boring). But the author did an excellent job at laying out the simple outline for us to possbily use (it's our choice) and giving us examples of how we might find the information. For perhaps the first time, I've been informed that informal methods and sources can be used. This is going to be so much fun! I can finally walk away from that long despised "Scholarship" that some of these teachers have pounded into our heads as the only sources that actully count. Blah! I understand that it's necessary, and I have need for it sometimes, but I can't honestly say it's my first choice, or that it's necessary all the time. Sometime's I would just like to find out my information from a real person, someone who may not have a doctorate degree, but from someone who can SHOW and TELL me what I need to know. We're not always interested in reading strategically scripted manuals filled with Doctorate colloquialisms (their vernacular). It's hard for me to understand and continue reading, let alone trying to write about it myself. If this was the case with our last paper, as I most definitely thought it would be, I never would have started it. After reading this paper, I can't wait.

Now, my only problem left is considering all of the many, many things I've always wanted to know about. I can only pick one...Ugh!

At least it's my choice this time.