Major research paper -- how long?

[Tardis Girl]

My senior is supposed to be writing a major research paper for a semester-long, independent study course in history. Any thoughts on how long a culminating research "should" be? The current plan is that the research paper is the main submitted work. (Obviously steps leading up to that could be a part of that, but at least right now there are not other essays, etc., expected to be submitted.)

 

FWIW, I'm not entirely sure I am comfortable with this arrangement. lol

 

Thanks for any opinions! :)

[Teachin'Mine]

10 to 12 pages?

 

I wouldn't be comfortable with that either as I think I'd want another way to verify that all the topics were well covered. The research paper will likely deal with only one small part of what's covered.

Edited January 30, 2012 by Teachin'Mine

[angela in ohio]

16-18 pages with 15 plus sources

 

I'm assigning an 8-10 page paper this week to a group of 9-12 graders, and it's just one of several assignments this semester. I would expect substantially more if it was the only paper.

[Julie in MN]

Just as a comparison, MFW assigns a research paper in 10th grade. It's an 8 week project. They suggest seniors would write at least 10 pages, and younger students possibly a bit less. That doesn't include the works cited, outline, etc.

 

And just my own thoughts - unless the student were struggling, I would expect something "new" to come out of the research if that was the only assignment. I'd expect a thesis with a new perspective, or a new bit of research (maybe interviews or observations), or some kind of new presentation (maybe creating graphs of his findings or at least a creative/meaningful presentation). I wouldn't normally want a 12th grader to just summarize readings for a whole credit, unless that was specifically a child's needed skill.

 

HTH,

Julie