Source Evaluation Using Scrible
In this lesson, students will learn to critically evaluate and compare various sources, applying established analysis frameworks. Using Scrible, they will organize their findings and reflections on each source's credibility, relevance, and bias.
Objective: Students will analyze sources using critical evaluation frameworks and structure their assessments and comparisons using Scrible.
Learning Outcome: Students will be adept at evaluating sources critically, distinguishing between reliable and unreliable information, and understanding the importance of source quality in research.
Rationale for the Lesson: Critical evaluation of sources is fundamental in navigating the vast amount of information available today. This lesson aims to equip students to discern the quality and credibility of sources, an essential skill for academic research and informed citizenship.
Activity:
Step 1 - Introduction to Evaluation Frameworks
Familiarizing students with criteria for evaluating sources gives them a structured approach to critical analysis.
Activity: Introduce students to a source evaluation framework, such as CRAAP (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose) or RADAR (Relevance, Authority, Date, Appearance, Reason for Writing), explaining each criterion's significance.
Step 2 - Source Selection
Analyzing various sources allows students to practice applying evaluation criteria in different contexts.
Activity: Assign students multiple sources on a single topic. They should use Scrible to annotate and highlight aspects of each source that correspond to the evaluation criteria.
Step 3 - Applying the Framework
Actively applying the evaluation framework helps students internalize the criteria and understand their application in real-world scenarios.
Activity: Students will use Scrible to apply the chosen framework to each source, annotating and evaluating the sources based on the specified criteria.
Step 4 - Comparative Analysis
Comparing sources against each other sharpens students' analytical skills and deepens their understanding of source quality.
Activity: Using Scrible, students will create a comparative analysis of their sources by implementing tags or comments and discuss how they compare against each other based on the evaluation criteria.
Step 5 - Reflective Summary
Summarizing their findings encourages students to synthesize their analysis and articulate their conclusions.
Activity: Students will write a reflective summary in Scrible, discussing their insights into source evaluation and the impact of source quality on information credibility.
Step 6 - Class Discussion
A group discussion allows students to share their findings and learn from others' analyses, broadening their understanding of source evaluation.
Activity: Facilitate a class discussion where students present their evaluations and comparative analyses, encouraging dialogue about the challenges and nuances of evaluating sources.
Standards Alignment:
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.8 & W.11-12.8: Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.2 & SL.11-12.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.
*If your school or district references standards other than Common Core for writing, please reach out, and our team can provide the Scrible standard alignment for your set of standards.