Latin-America Research Papers
Political liberty is possible only when it is accompanied by economic independence - Jose Marti
Students conducted academic and online research to craft a paper responding to our essential question, 'Why do poor people historically inhabit rich lands?'
Students worked in small groups to investigate inequities and injustices present in their chosen Latin-American country. After a series of critiques and revisions, each student wrote a paper and presented their findings at exhibition. Below are the resources used to guide students through the research and writing process. |
Student Reflections
Something this project made me proud of is my ability to try new things and learn new content by research. I found my article to be very interesting and was very intrigued to research as well as write it. I'm very proud of my work in total and my drive to make it my best work. I didn't see myself as good at researching, or citing before this semester. I didn't even think I was good at writing. After writing my paper, and being able to back up claims, and speak about the content I'd learned, with classmates or even random people, was really fulfilling. I also became more interested in organic farming and agriculture. Very eager to do some traveling with this eventually. - Tessa
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This project pushed and improved me and so many ways. It helped me learn much more about the adversities that so many countries face. As well as learning about the inequalities we face here in our country... The content I felt that I mastered and the hard skill that I learned are both the art of revision. Having the ability to work through multiple drafts of work is a skill I will never forget. - Marco
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From this process of writing a research paper, I am most proud of the time and effort I put into this paper. I read it a million times over to perfect it, and I asked many people to critique the writing as well. To improve my paper, I collaborated with my peers. I critiqued their paper, and they critiqued mine. This project helped me realize how lucky we are as Americans to have such minor political issues compared to Nicaragua. Nicaragua has struggled with violent dictators and greed. Throughout this research, I learned how to research effectively and which sources are the most reliable. Now, I am great at picking out key information and fitting it into my research paper. Some soft skills I acquired were how to critique in a more effective way by highlighting each sentence of information. - Tatianna
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1. Country Research Posters |
2. Project Groups Formed |
3. Research Phase |
Students were randomly assigned a Latin-American country and worked in pairs to create a poster covering historical figures and events, in preparation for a gallery walk.
4. Thesis GeneratorHaving analyzed primary sources and conducted further online research, students crafted a thesis statement.
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Students reflected on their skills (based on the project deliverables) and conducted a blind gallery walk, before interviewing potential partners and proposing equitable groups.
5. Paper ProposalWith a refined thesis statement, students planned their paper, focusing on structure, evidence, and purpose.
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Students visited a local community college, learning research tips from a librarian, gathering articles related to their country. They completed an article analysis for each source.
6. Crafting an IntroductionStudents began the writing process, crafting a series of introductions, designing effective hooks.
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7. Critique
I wrote in front of my students, modeling the writing process and critiquing an exemplar. Students then critiqued a past paper, sharing their thoughts. After each paragraph, students critiqued their peers' papers, providing valuable feedback, while adopting and adapting their peers' writing styles
- Review your group member’s latest paragraph:
- Highlight the transitions (green)
- Highlight the claim (yellow))
- Highlight examples of evidence / direct quotes (blue)
- Highlight explanation of evidence and how it supports the claim (red)
- What is this paragraph about? How do you know? Is the paragraph relevant to the subject of the research paper? Why? (Write responses and feedback directly onto research paper)
- Does the first sentence of the paragraph draw you in? Does it make you want to read more? Why? How does it connect to the previous paragraph?
- Does the last sentence of the paragraph conclude the paragraph and suggest a transition into the next paragraph? How?
- Discuss feedback with group member.
- Respond to feedback and write a more effective paragraph.
8. Citing Sources & Paper Format |
9. Rubric & Submission |
Students reviewed a model paper in order to better understand how to cite sources in MLA format, integrate quotes, and structure their paper with flowing paragraphs and strong transitions.
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Students submitted their papers on TurnItIn.com, a free plagiarism-detection service. I provided feedback adhering to the teacher and student-designed rubric.
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Student Exemplars
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