School project work is an essay that presents the results of a student’s research of a particular topic in print, electronic, or multimedia format. The skill involves finding, evaluating, and assimilating the ideas of other researchers and this is essential in any field of study. Unlike other essay writing, a research project work follows the same processes as other kinds of writing, from planning through drafting to revising, but the difference is that instead of relying exclusively on what you already know about a topic, you rather include source materials, facts, data, knowledge, or opinions of other researchers to support your research project works.
The writing of the final year project is one of the most challenging times that every student faces in their academic pursuits. It is not only because it is a definitive stage in their career, where they must demonstrate all their academic potential, but because they must create an idea that represents a contribution to the subject and can serve as an inspiration to other students and professionals.
The very and the most essential key to quality work is in the choosing of the project topic and In this article, we will discuss several tips that help to know how to choose free project topics, especially in those fields of knowledge related to the social sciences, and humanities.
How To Choose A Good Research Topic
A supervisor may assign you a specific undergraduate project topic, but most often supervisors require you to select your own final year project topics of interest. The ability to develop a research project topic is a very important skill, and when deciding on a topic, there are a few more things that you will need to do.
1. brainstorm for ideas
2. choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature
3. ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available
4. make a list of keywords
5. be flexible
6. define your topic as a focused research question
7. research and read more about your topic
8. formulate a thesis statement
Be aware of the fact that choosing a good research topic may not be easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information. Before choosing your school project topics, make sure you know what your final project should look like. Each supervisor will likely require a different format or style of research project work.
Use the steps below and it will guide you through the process of selecting a good research topic.
Brainstorm For Topic Ideas
Use the following questions to help generate project topic ideas. Choose a topic that wills interests you.
1. Do you have a personal issue, problem, or interest that you would like to know more about?
2. Is there an aspect of a class that you are interested in learning more about?
3. Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
4. Did you read or see a news story recently that has piqued your interest or made you angry or anxious?
5. Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
Look at some of the following topically oriented Web sites and research sites for ideas.
a. Are you interested in current events, government, politics, or the social sciences?
i. Try Punch or Vanguard
b. Are you interested in health or medicine?
i. Look in Healthfinder.gov, Health & Wellness Resource Center, or the National Library of Medicine
c. Are you interested in the Humanities; art, literature, music?
i. Browse links from the National Endowment for the Humanities
d. For other subject areas try:
i. the Scout Report or the Nigerian Times/ College Web sites
Could these terms help or be useful in forming more focused project topic ideas? Write down any keywords or concepts that may be of interest to you.
Be fully aware of overused ideas when deciding on a topic. You may wish to avoid topic ideas such as, abortion, gun control, teen pregnancy, or suicide except you feel you have a unique approach to the topic. Ask your supervisor for project topic ideas if you feel you are stuck or need additional guidance.
Read General Background Information
• Read a general encyclopedia article on the top two or three topics you are considering. Reading a broad summary enables you to get an overview of the topic and see how your idea relates to broader, narrower, and related issues. It also provides a great source for finding words commonly used to describe the topic. These keywords may be very useful to your later research. If you can’t find an article on your topic, try using broader terms, and ask for help from a librarian. Browse the Encyclopedia Africa for information on your topic ideas. Notice that both online encyclopedias provide links to magazine articles and Web sites. These are listed in the left or the right margins.
• Use periodical indexes to scan current magazine, journal, or newspaper articles on your topic. Ask a librarian if they can help you to browse articles on your school project topics of interest.
• Use Web search engines. Google and Bing are currently considered to be two of the best search engines to find web sites on the topic.
Click here to complete this article - Factors To Consider When Choosing Your Project Topics
