Now that you have determined your better question, next up? Make a plan to answer it!
Create a timeline to map-out your process of inquiry. Not only will this tool keep you on track and on time, it’s a handy reference that you can use to measure your successes and failures. Moreover, it will also help you develop even better processes in the future!
- Using the virtual notepad on the right (or an actual, you know, notepad) brainstorm your goals. This should include how you plan to answer your question, the scope of your question (how broad or focused it will be), the grade you want and the impact you want to achieve (a study pursued, a policy or perspectives changed based on a finding). What steps are required to meet your goals (research, interviews, consultation, outreach, feedback)? Note these down as well.
- Now, for each item you’ve listed above, assign a rough timeline (it will take one week to develop the full answer to my question or it will take two weeks to interview researchers).
- On your computer (or on a sheet of paper, but make sure you can record what you create for future use), create a timeline, working backwards from the project due date (ask your teacher!), setting mini-due dates that reflect the time you think each step will require. Breakdown your process into days, classes or hours.
- Review your timeline. Do you have enough steps to actually achieve your goals? Are they realistic? Are your mini-due dates realistic? Are you thinking big enough, or are you thinking too big?
- Revise your timeline. Don’t assume you can do something in less time just because you want to squeeze in more steps than work days available. If you’re trying to force too many steps (or too few) into your timeline, that means you probably need to set more realistic goals or even rethink your question.
- Solicit feedback and consider collaboration opportunities. As a class or in small groups, share your timeline and ask your peers if they think your goals, and steps to achieve them, are realistic. Make your case for why you think your timeline is doable and then listen to the perspectives of others. Also, if you haven’t already, find out if anyone else in your class is doing similar work (is conducting the same research, requires the same meetings or is pitching the same audiences) and collaborate to make the task easier, faster and/or better.
- Revise your timeline again. Incorporate the feedback you’ve been given (if reasonable) and account for time saved through collaboration. This is now your final timeline – a work plan to create your final project. What?! Don’t worry. More on that next chapter.