"Scaffolding" is the instructional process of offering supports for learners that guide them through completing a complex task. Scaffolding can take a variety of forms, but with a research project it means breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This allows instructors to monitor student progress and help them when they face barriers or challenges.
Assignment ideas for Various Stages of the Research Process
Selecting a topic
Discuss the difference between topics and research questions
Have students work in pairs brainstorming and developing possible research questions
Have students create research questions and post them in a discussion board for the course
Locating background information/discovery
Using discovery tools (QuickSearch, library catalog, Google Scholar) to refine a broad topic area
Writing the research question and setting up a search plan based on the major/minor concepts in the question
Identifying library databases and resources for information
Preliminary Research
Creating an annotated bibliography of "seed articles" found
Documenting the search process and information located through a research log
Identifying at least three articles that address answers to the research question
Critique at least one source in depth
Writing Process--Drafting
Creating a thesis statement that addresses the answer to the research question
Outling
First Draft
Student presentation of major points in the paper to the class
Peer Review--Feedback on papers or presentation from classmates
Final Draft
Polished draft revised based on feedback given by instructor and classmates
Reflection or self-assessment about the students' research journey