A Walk in the PAARC: Evaluating Source Credibility

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

11, 12

Overview

This is a slide show that can be used for whole-class instruction or as a guideline for the appropriate questions to ask when evaluating the credibility of sources for purpose, accuracy, authority, relevance, and currency. The slides guide students to work in pairs and evaluate two provided sources for potential use as evidence on the provided topic. Student observations are recorded on graphic organizers.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 11

ELA21.11.24

Evaluate the credibility of sources in terms of authority, relevance, accuracy, and purpose.

UP:ELA21.11.24

Vocabulary

  • Evaluate
  • Credibility
  • Authority
  • Relevance
  • Accuracy
  • Purpose

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Strategies to assess the credibility of research sources.
  • Features of authoritative, relevant, and accurate research sources.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Evaluate the credibility of research sources in terms of authority, relevance, accuracy, and purpose.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Before using a source in their research projects, they should evaluate the credibility of the source in terms of its authority, relevance, accuracy, and purpose.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 12

ELA21.12.24

Evaluate the credibility of sources in terms of authority, relevance, accuracy, and purpose.

UP:ELA21.12.24

Vocabulary

  • Evaluate
  • Credibility
  • Authority
  • Relevance
  • Accuracy
  • Purpose

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Strategies to assess the credibility of research sources.
  • Features of authoritative, relevant, and accurate research sources.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Evaluate the credibility of research sources in terms of authority, relevance, accuracy, and purpose.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Before using a source in their research projects, they should evaluate the credibility of the source in terms of its authority, relevance, accuracy, and purpose.

Learning Objectives

Students will evaluate two sources based on questioning and discussion strategies to determine the legitimacy of the provided sources.

Students will determine the credibility of the provided sources by using the PAARC model.

Activity Details

1. Open the Slide Show.
2. Discuss the importance of using credible sources when conducting research.
3. Ask students what are some examples of "good" sources?
4. Ask students what are some examples of "bad" sources?
5. Discuss the origin of the PAARC model and why it is a good acronym to take on a research journey.
6. Discuss the meanings of each of the elements and cover the questions. Students may take notes on their graphic organizer for each of the elements, or they may choose to review from the Slide Show. 
7. Instruct students to partner up (or choose a partner with whom to work).
8. Explain that each student will complete one graphic organizer, but that they will collaborate and discuss each element of PAARC together.
9. Monitor students as they work to evaluate the two provided sources.

Assessment Strategies

The teacher will assess students based on the:

1. Completion of PAARC evaluation of two provided sources via link.
2. Analysis of two provided sources and notes regarding each element of PAARC on the graphic organizer.

Variation Tips

1. Teachers can use the graphic organizer for notes as well as evidence of the students' work.
2. Teachers can present the information as a lecture or use it as more of a cooperative discussion model.

Background / Preparation

1. Save the Slide Show and graphic organizer in an accessible location.
2. Share slide show and links with students for access.
3. Copy graphic organizers.
4. Review materials.

Total Duration

31 to 45 Minutes

Learning Activity (After)

ALSDE LOGO