Lesson Plan

• Identify and clearly state a research question or hypothesis.
• Select and define relevant concepts and arguments that directly address the question.
• Evaluate source evidence using the five criteria: authority, accuracy, bias, currency, and relevance.
• Synthesise multiple perspectives into a coherent structure for the personal research report.
• Apply appropriate citation conventions and reflect on methodological limitations.

• Projector and screen
• Whiteboard and markers
• Handout: source‑evaluation criteria table
• Source‑matrix worksheet (printed)
• Laptops/tablets with internet access
• Citation guide (Harvard/APA)
• Example excerpt of a personal research report

Begin with a quick poll: “What makes a source trustworthy?” to hook interest. Review students’ prior knowledge of the research cycle and emphasise today’s focus on critical selection and analysis of concepts and evidence. Outline the success criteria: students will evaluate sources, create a source matrix, and draft a report outline.

1. Do‑now (5’) – Students write a concise research question for a given scenario.
2. Mini‑lecture (10’) – Explain selecting concepts and the five evidence‑evaluation criteria.
3. Guided practice (15’) – In pairs, assess three sample sources using the source‑matrix worksheet.
4. Group discussion (10’) – Share assessments, highlight strengths/weaknesses, introduce triangulation.
5. Synthesis activity (15’) – Students outline a brief report structure, grouping sources by perspective.
6. Citation workshop (10’) – Demonstrate Harvard/APA referencing for the sources used.
7. Exit ticket (5’) – Write one key takeaway and one lingering question on source analysis.

Recap the steps from selecting concepts to evaluating evidence and synthesising perspectives. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: complete a source‑matrix for their own research topic and draft a one‑page outline ready for the next lesson.