Using an Anchor Text to Spark Inquiry: Asking Questions and Conducting Meaningful Investigation

Isaacs’s research revolved around the question: “What happens when students use an anchor text to drive their research?” The article addresses the importance of asking researchable questions, using an anchor text to formulate focused questions that lead to more specific answers, discussing and collaborating when researching, and providing students with a meaningful outlet through which to showcase their research and investigative findings. The results of research and observation show that students need to be taught how to ask questions in general before they can do so to conduct research. Using an anchor text helps them create questions that they can discuss with their peers, and giving them a specific way in which to present their investigative findings helps them see the purpose and motivates them to find more answers.