What is the problem I have to solve?

• What are the key ideas, words and questions that define the task?
• Am I being asked to investigate, explain, describe, analyse or persuade?
• How will that shape the information I need and my response?
• What information do I need?
• What do I already know about the topic/issue?
• What more do I need to find out?
• What focus questions can I develop to guide my information search and my response?
• Are those questions purposeful and effective for solving my information need?
• What form does my response need to take?
• Is its purpose to inform, explain, describe, analyse or persuade?
• What will be the best way to conduct this investigation?
• What is the timeframe for the response?

Where can I find the information I need?

• Which sources would best meet my needs?
• Who can help me find the information I need?
• Should I
  • use primary or secondary sources
  • conduct interviews
  • collect data through surveys
  • undertake observations and/or experiments
  • examine images such as photographs, maps, and charts
  • rely on print or electronic media sources
• Should the majority of the resources be factual or based on opinions and perspectives?
• How can I identify the purpose of the resource?
• Where can I find those resources?
• Do I need help to find those resources?
• How can I ensure that the source is authoritative, accurate, current, objective and relevant?
• Does the resource suit the purpose of my information need and my response?
• How will I cross-check my information to confirm its accuracy?

How can I search these resources effectively?

• Which main ideas am I looking for?
• Are there any cues and clues to help me navigate the resource such as a contents page or a menu?
• Which search terms will be the most effective for locating the relevant information?
• How can I use headings and topic sentences to identify relevant information?
• How will I record my information so that I can use my own words to present it?
• Are there any critical quotes that I can use to give my work authority?
• What examples and explanations can I provide as evidence for my argument?
• Are the ideas, information and images attributed to their sources so that I know the information is authoritative?
• Are there references or links to other resources so I can cross-check the information or learn more about the topic?
• Does the information I have selected address the task set?
• How will I credit my sources?

Interpreting 

What is this information telling me?

• Is this information a factual report or an opinion piece?
• What is the author’s purpose for writing it?
• How does this information/opinion compare to other views on the same topic?
• What cultural, social, ethical, religious or economic beliefs, attitudes and assumptions underpin the information?
• What local, national or global factors influence or impact the information? 
• What evidence do I have to confirm this such as
  • Is it designed to recount, persuade, inform or entertain?
  • Who has taken responsibility for this information?
  • Is that person/organisation an authoritative source?
  • From whose perspective has it been written?
  • Do they have a vested interest in this cause?
  • What view of the world is it presenting?
  • Is it satirical or a parody?
  • Has it been written to confirm, challenge or change my opinions?
  • Are the arguments supported by credible evidence?
  • Is there an underlying message being pushed?
  • Have alternative perspectives been offered without bias?
  • Whose voice is not heard?
• Have I checked the source for accuracy, authority, currency, objectivity and relevance?
• If it is an opinion piece, am I prepared to consider the author’s views and perspectives?
• How does it confirm, challenge or change what I already know and believe?
• Are there alternative suggestions, solutions or perspectives that I need to consider?
• How can I connect what I already know with what I have learned?
• Does this resource still meet the purpose of my information need and my response?

How can I organise my information so it is connected, cohesive and coherent and  I understand it better?

• Would a graphic organiser be an appropriate tool?
• Does the information need to be in a special order?
• How can I use headings and images to make my message clearer?
• Is my information expressed in my own words?
• Is my response sensible, logical, cohesive and coherent? 
• Is it arranged in paragraphs with clear topic sentences and supporting details and evidence?
• Can I summarise some of my information in a table, chart or graph?
• Are the accompanying illustrations relevant to the information?
• Have I explained their purpose?
• Is there an opposing perspective I have to consider and include?
• Have I answered the focus questions and addressed the task set?
• Is there a rubric to guide the standard of content and format?
• Do I need more information?
• Have i acknowledged the sources I’ve used?
• Have I collated a Reference List in the required format?
• Are there other cues and clues such as contents, index, and  glossary I need to include to help other navigate my presentation?

How can I share my information with others?

• What is the purpose of the presentation – to inform, explain, analyse or persuade?
• How will this shape the nature of my presentation?
• Who would be interested in this information?
• Do I need a public or personal audience?
• What are the needs of that audience?
• What beliefs, attitudes, and feelings of my audience do I need to consider?
• What is the best format to demonstrate my learning and meet those needs?
• What are the essential elements of this format/medium that I need to include?
• Are the content and purpose of my message clear and not obscured by eye-candy such as fancy fonts and intrusive backgrounds?
• Do the images I’ve used enrich and enhance the main message?
• Have i demonstrated my understanding of the ethical use of the ideas, images and information of others in my presentation?
• Have I included everything I want to share?
• Have I considered various points of view about this topic?
• Have I constructed my ideas and arguments concisely and with clarity?
• Have I offered a balanced argument supported by evidence and examples?
• How is my audience likely to respond to the ideas and information in my presentation?
• If I were presented with this information or perspective, how would I respond?
• How can I present it with confidence and competence?

What have I learned from this?

• Did I address the task and answer the questions?
• Did I use the rubric to guide my response well?
• How have my skills improved?
• Which parts did I do really well?
• Which parts would I change if I did the assignment again?
• Which parts do I need support with in the future?
• How well did I contribute to the work of my group?
• Did I acknowledge, accept and adapt to the roles, rights and responsibilities of the group members?
• How well did I negotiate differing opinions within my group?
• Did I manage my time well?

Reflecting 

Where to from here?

• How does what I have learned connect with what I already knew?
• How have my knowledge and understanding been confirmed, challenged or changed?
• How does what I have learned help me make sense of the world?
• Now that I know this, what conclusions can I draw?
• Now that I know this, how can I use it?
• Now that I know this, what action should I take?
• Now that I know this, what new questions do I have?
• Now that I know this, how can I apply it to a new situation?
• What have I learned that I need to remember for
  • a short time
  • a longer time
  • the rest of my life?