Improving Students’ Ability to Cite Sources Correctly
Subject: English Language Arts, Library Media
Grade: 6
Timeframe: 15 – 30 minutes
Introduction:
The best research papers are written using credible sources that are cited correctly. The importance of citing correctly is so that the reader of a paper can find the source himself/herself to go back and verify information.
Additionally, it is important that students are comfortable using technology tools integrated into their research. EasyBib’s citation tools make it easy for students to cite their sources correctly.
Objective:
- Identify errors in a works cited
- Analyze the source of error
- Correct errors by learning the correct citation format
Materials:
- A printed (or electronic) works cited document containing 6-12 sources. However, most of the citations on the works cited should be incorrectly formatted (for example, author’s name and title switched).
- Computers (access to EasyBib)
Procedure:
- Give each student a copy of the works cited document that has some incorrect citations.
- Give the students a set amount of time to identify errors (20-30 minutes). Allow them to use technological resources to be resourceful and find resources that have the correct citation methods.
- In this time, the students should identify and correct the errors made in the works cited document (like a scavenger hunt).
- The students should use EasyBib to format the works cited document correctly.
- At the end of the time period, the students should electronically submit their correct works cited documents to the teacher using EasyBib’s export feature.
Assessment:
The students’ works cited documents should be the same. They should have correctly identified the errors and fixed them. Grading should be based on the correctness and completeness of the error-correcting.
Self-Evaluation:
At the end of this assignment, students should have met the objectives outlined at the beginning of this lesson. Furthermore, they should have furthered the skills outlined in the introduction.
After the lesson, the students should have developed a better understanding of the correct way to cite sources. They should have furthered their ability to cite different sources using technological tools (EasyBib). Students’ will have developed a better understanding of how to critically assess a works cited for accuracy.
Extension:
Students may use these error-detection skills when writing research projects in the future. Students should be encouraged to have error-free works cited documents that are correctly formatted in MLA/APA/Chicago style.
Additional Resources:
EasyBib
Common Core Standards:
| Standard | 8th Grade Expectation | How this lesson plan addresses this standard: |
|---|---|---|
| Anchor Writing Standard 8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. | CC.W.8.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation | Students will better understand the format for citing sources by being able to identify errors in a works cited and correcting the bibliography. |
