2. Getting Started
“Alright, so if we take a look at the course schedule, we can see that this term’s first research assignment is due in two weeks. You have all chosen your topics. If anyone hasn’t already done so, please borrow some library resources that can be used to support your assignment’s argument. Feel free to use both physical and electronic resources. I can’t stress enough that you shouldn’t wait any longer to look. It can take time to find appropriate material.”
Immediately after hearing these words from your instructor, you shift uncomfortably in your seat and feel a light sheen of sweat dampen your neck. When this research assignment was discussed on the first day of classes, you listened with relaxed indifference, glad to be able to wait a couple of weeks before you would really have to think about it. How did those first two weeks pass by so quickly? How did a small future-assignment suddenly become a challenge that would have to be dealt with immediately? You aren’t even sure where to begin!
“Hold on,” you remind yourself, “Start with step one. The professor said to begin by borrowing library sources that could be useful for supporting my argument.” Okay, borrowing sources won’t be too tough. You already feel calmer as you settle into your seat and return your focus to the lecture.
After class, you turn to the classmate sitting next to you and ask “Hey, have you already borrowed sources to use for your assignment?”
They laugh and say “Well duh! I did it last week when our prof initially suggested that we should start.”
You grimace and look away as they continue, “Hey, my roommates and I are meeting up to grab a coffee in Mac Hall, then heading to the basketball game. Want to come?”
Going to the basketball game would be awesome- plus you are feeling like you could use a coffee and a bite to eat. Your prof did say however, that you shouldn’t wait any longer to borrow library sources for your assignment. What do you do?
