Easy Bibliography

I recently participated in a webinar about the Common Core Standards and Assessments.  From this, I heard that in the Writing standards, there will be a heavy emphasis on research, as early as kindergarten.  Students will be expected to write arguments and support explanations.  They will be expected to supply reasoning and information from other sources.  So, students will need to learn the importance of citing sources and how to create bibliography. 

3 Reasons Why Students Need to Cite Sources

1.     Best Way to Avoid Plagiarism:  Common knowledge does not need to be cited.  However, when doing extensive research, students may not know what is considered common knowledge.  Therefore, students should provide a Works Cited page to prevent being accused of plagiarism.

2.     Proves the Writers as Credible:  Sometimes, readers of student research may doubt the validity of the information.  To add authority or credibility, student researchers provide bibliography to support their explanations.  Including a list of expert opinions supporting the research makes the student research more reliable.

3.     Allows Readers to Look at the Sources:  By providing bibliography, student researchers allow their readers to verify the information themselves.  In addition, if readers wanted more information on the topic, they can consult the bibliography list.

How to Create Bibliography Easily  

For me, teaching children how to create a bibliography list is a daunting task.  There are so many different formats for the variety of sources.  I can’t remember them all.  So, I taught the students what information is needed and where to find it.  Then, I referred them to the website, EasyBib.  “EasyBib is an automated bibliography composer for students that formats bibliographies/works cited lists in APA, MLA and Chicago format.”  EasyBib is a free access website using MLA style.  It formats an entire Works Cited page and can be saved for later.  It automatically alphabetizes and formats the entries using the correct indents, punctuation, and line spacing.  It provides a blank template for students to input the correct information or it has an autocite feature that aids students in providing the correct information.  Students can also add annotations to each sources to create an annotated bibliography page.  

http://www.easybib.com/  

EasyBib: Free Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago Citation Styles. Web. 30 Sept. 2010. .

Try it.  It is very easy. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

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