Include three main elements
1. Information about the author/organization
Who is the author? What is their background? Is the author qualified to write this document? What is the author's purpose in writing this article or doing this research? Is the purpose stated or implied? Does the author have a particular message? Does the author show any biases or make assumptions upon which the rationale of the article rests? If so, what are they?
2. Summary of the source
What is the main idea of this article? If there is a certain theme, expand somewhat to offer good insight. What was the purpose of the research? How does this resource compare to others on the same topic? What are the similarities and/or differences?
3. Usefulness to you
How does this resource compare to others on the same topic? What are the similarities and/or differences? Did you learn something new from this source that you hadn't thought of or read from another source? How will this be beneficial to you in your research?
Remember, you do NOT need to answer all of these questions. These are here to help you with trigger questions to create quality, relevance, and credibility of sources before including them in their work. By summarizing and assessing each source, you can make informed decisions about which sources to use in your research.
Smith, J. A. (2018). Climate Change and Its Effects on Global Biodiversity. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(2), 123-145. 10.1007/s43538-022-00073-6.
Smith's comprehensive research in the Journal of Environmental Studies provides an in-depth exploration of how climate change impacts global biodiversity. The study examines the consequences of rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns on ecosystems and various species which includes alterations in the distribution and behavior of species as they adapt to changing climate conditions. Shifts in precipitation patterns, on the other hand, affect ecosystems by influencing water availability, soil moisture levels, and overall habitat structure. Smith not only analyzes the immediate effects but also delves into the potential long-term implications. Changes in ecosystems and species composition may have far-reaching consequences, affecting ecosystem services that humans rely on, such as pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Moreover, the long-term implications may involve increased risks of species extinction, altered food webs, and potential impacts on human societies that depend on natural resources. By synthesizing current research, the article becomes a valuable resource when seeking a nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between climate change and biodiversity. The article was published in the Journal of Environmental Studies which underlines its credibility, making it a foundational piece for researchers and policymakers examining the intricate dynamics of environmental change.
Davis, Jennifer. "Towards a Further Understanding of What Indigenous People Have Always Known: Storytelling as the Basis of Good Pedagogy." First Nations Perspectives, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 83-96. https://mfnerc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Towards-a-Further-Understanding.pdf
Jennifer Davis is a faculty member at the University College of the North, an educational institution devoted to community and northern development that reflects the Indigenous reality and cultural diversity of northern Manitoba. Her work in this article discusses the renewed and growing interest in traditional knowledge and wisdom with an emphasis on what she terms the ancient practice of storytelling and how non-indigenous educators can use the practice in education in ways that have always been practiced by indigenous educators. The article discusses works that are both in support of stories and narratives as pedagogy and those that have a dissenting opinion. This work is relevant as my focus of inquiry in this course will explore how storytelling can be effectively integrated as a pedagogy in the curriculum as a step towards decolonizing academia.
