We have provided an approach for brainstorming and selecting a topic. This is a project that will require a significant amount of time and energy. It should be something that each student is passionate and excited about so that they will learn from their experience and have an amazing time do so.
The following steps are guidelines for brainstorming and selecting an exciting and interesting Proposal:
The following steps are guidelines for brainstorming and selecting an exciting and interesting Proposal:
Step 1
Step 2
Complete the following idea-starters:
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Conduct preliminary research on your topic by answering:
Step 6
- Think about the kinds of subjects you like to talk about outside of class with friends, co-workers, parents and family, etc. Make a list of these topics.
Step 2
Complete the following idea-starters:
- My friends and I like to argue about …
- I think it is wrong when . . .
- I wish I could convince someone that . . .
- I am definitely opposed to . . .
- Someone believes . . .; however, I believe . . .
- I wish this school would address the problem of . . .
- I think we should pass a law so that . . .
- If I could change one thing in my community, it would be…
- If I could change one thing in the world, it would be…
Step 3
- Choose one topic from the lists you have made. Spend some time writing down words, ideas, and phrases that come to mind when you think of that topic.
Step 4
- Read through some current newspapers or news articles online and note the stories that interest you. Think about why they interest you; is this an issue that you would like to know more about? One caveat is in selecting current topics from newspapers you may choose a topic that has very few related sources. Be sure to select a current topic that has a history to it or a topic that can be related to a larger issue where there should be sufficient material. Spend some time writing down some of your findings here.
Step 5
Conduct preliminary research on your topic by answering:
- Does the library have any reference sources that would help with researching your topic?
- Does the library's online catalog list any books that appear to be on your topic?
- Can you locate any periodical articles that the library can access that pertains to your topic?
- Using a standard web search engine can you locate any web sites that discuss your topic?
Step 6
- If you feel that you can locate enough sources on your topic then approach your classroom instructor with your idea and make sure that this topic is appropriate for this assignment.