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Literacy 4-6 > Strategies > Direct Instruction: Keyword Search

Direct Instruction: Keyword Search

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Overview

Teaching students how to create and use strong keywords for Internet searching is critical for helping them know how to find accurate, relevant information. Developing strong keywords requires using Background Knowledge to define a question or topic then to identify important, specific words related to the question or topic. As they search, students must also brainstorm synonyms to narrow and revise their keywords until an answer or goal has been reached.

Use It in the Classroom

Watch as students play Taboo to practice choosing keywords. The teacher identifies the strategies of finding synonyms and giving precise descriptions, has students practice the strategies then guides student reflection on the strategies.

  • Teachers can have students use graphic organizers or play word games, like Taboo, to practice describing key aspects of an object and brainstorming synonyms to build their Vocabulary. Further lessons may include advanced strategies, like using "and," "or," and "not," to combine keywords to further narrow searches.

    • Design It into Your Product

  • Products can build in synonym providers and sample keyword lists for commonly searched topics to support students as they develop their keyword search skills.
    • View References

    Resources

    Below are additional examples, research, and professional development. These resources are possible representations of this strategy, not endorsements.
    Examples

    Developing Internet Search Skills

    Activities to teach effective searching skills

    Examples

    Online Research

    Video describing how to use operators while searching

    Examples

    Search Terms

    Lesson plans from Google about identifying and choosing search terms

    Examples

    Strategic Searching

    Lesson plan for strategic searching

    Examples

    Teaching Better Online Search Skills

    Why and how to incorporate searching into lessons

    Examples

    Ways to Teach Savvy Search Skills

    Tips for teaching searching skills

    Research

    Metacognition & Self-Regulated Learning

    Subtopic that includes research on metacognitive processes that help learners plan what and how to learn on Digital Promise's Research Map

    Factors Supported by this Strategy

    Literacy
    Verbal Reasoning
    Vocabulary
    Cognition
    Long-term Memory
    Metacognition
    Short-term Memory
    Working Memory
    Social and Emotional Learning
    Emotion
    Student Background
    Adverse Experiences
    Literacy Environment
    Physical Well-being
    Primary Language
    Safety
    Sleep
    Socioeconomic Status

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