It is important for the learner to recognise the difference between the 'research' phase of a particular project and the 'presentation' of their work. In schools pupils who are given a 'project' to do may well spend an inordinate amount of time thinking about what the cover will look like, how the finished product will be presented, rather than getting on with the 'discovery' or research element of the work.  At worst what is produced is material that has simply been 'cut and pasted;' from various sources.

The student workbook "Reasonable Research" aimed at Key Stage 3 explores some of the key thinking and questioning frames and techniques which will help pupils become more effective learners. One of the 'key frames' in this book is what can be called a QuADS Grid.

The acronym QuADS stands fior:-

Question - where the learner is encouraged to phrase a meaningful 'research' question

Answer - where the learner is required to write (skinny) KEY WORD answers

Detail - where the learner add more specific information about the answer.

Sources - where the learner notes (in detail) at least TWO sources which support the answer and detail sections of the grid.

The information is recorded on a standardised template so that the leaner start to collect information and answers related to specific questions related to their learning.

In terms of assessment then, the lead learner will be assessing the QuADS grids for the quality of research that has been undertaken and the final presentation as something very different.