[LM_NET] General: Teaching databases to 8th grade students

[Bev Nelson <bev.nelson@SPRINGGROVE.K12.MN.US>]

I teach a self-designed class called Media Skills to 8th graders and 7th
graders.  I am growing very weary of teaching databases which have
interfaces that change frequently.  It is amazing what they do not know
about databases - basic operations.  They do not know how to limit by lexile
levels, do publication searches, differences between entire document (full
text), keyword and subject searches.  Each database has its own particulars
and many kids do not see these limiters and expanders as beneficial.   They
prefer to go to Google and find a quick article and be done.  I do have the
opportunity to teach collaboratively once in awhile so my skills can be
taught in context.  But for the most part, it is simply learning how to
manipulate a database.  I WISH database companies would come up with
effective  teaching tools for students.  "nuff said.  Anyway, does anyone
have a slick way of teaching database search strategy to junior high kids?
Something that I don't have to recreate?  Thanks
-- 
"What a school thinks about its library, is a measure of what it thinks
about education." Harold Howe, former U.S. Commissioner of Education

Beverly Nelson
Media Generalist
Spring Grove Public School
113 2nd Ave NW 
Spring Grove, Minnesota  55974
507-498-3223
bev.nelson@springgrove.k12.mn.us
M

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