Research Advice for Leaving Certificates

Fáilte go dtí Crios na nDéagóirí

RESEARCH ADVICE FOR LEAVING CERT. STUDENTS

• For students doing  a Special Topic for Leaving Cert. History, Tipperary Libraries are a great place to start.
• Library membership is FREE for secondary students. It entitles you to take out  4 items at a time, for three weeks, with an option to renew. If you are not a member already, just call to any Co. Tipperary public library to join.
• AT THE LIBRARY
• You can browse and borrow books on famous people, military history, Irish, European and World history
• Use the Local Studies sections to look for and research topics of local interest (and our Local Studies Dept. in Thurles allows you to consult old newspapers, maps, photos, journals, information files etc.)
• Use the Reference Library
• Bring your laptop and avail of our wireless hotspot
• Have internet access (2 Euro for 50 minutes) and a photocopying service (20 cent a sheet)
• Library staff are there to help with your queries. If we don’t have the book you are looking for, please ask. There’s a good chance we can get it for you from another library ( but don’t leave this to the  last minute, as it can take a little time)
• Tipperary Libraries are available 24/7 if you are online. All you need is a PIN and your membership card barcode to avail of this service. You can look up items by author, title or subject in our Online Library Catalogue, check branch opening hours etc, (www.tipperarylibraries.ie)
• SOME SPECIFIC ADVICE ON THE SPECIAL TOPIC
• Decide on your topic. This should be of “historical significance”, have a fairly narrow focus, show your research skills and be unique to each student in the group
• It will help if it is something you are really interested in
• Local topics are a good idea, for several reasons;
  -You may know people and places involved already
  

- it’s usually easier to find primary (and secondary) sources

- many important events in Irish history can have a local aspect and relevance to your area/county (e.g. the Famine, O’Connell, Fenians, landlords and tenants, Home Rule, churches, GAA, Gaelic League, War of Independence, Civil War, building the new State, the Emergency, emigration, electrification etc. etc.)

- Local topics tend to score highly in the exam

• Time is short; try not to change from your original choice, or leave things until very late in the year. Finishing your essay in good time is wise, so you can concentrate on the other areas for the exam ( also don’t let it take over your life – you really don’t need to read forty books on your topic!)
• In summary, the steps are;

-DECIDE a topic worthy of study

 -LOCATE the sources

-DECIDE what evidence comes from these sources; NOTE what seems relevant and important

-MAKE a coherent argument from your notes, and make balanced conclusions from the evidence

-WRITE your essay

 

last updated on: Friday, 03-Feb-12 23:37:09 GMT

Tá raon leathan achmhainní, áiseanna agus imeachtaí ag Leabharlanna Thiobraid Árann do dhéagóirí, ina measc:

Raon ollmhór d'fhicsean agus neamhfhicsean
Úrscéalta Grafacha
Ceol
Rochtaineacht Idirlín
Leabhair Chainte
Áiseanna Staidéir
Irisí agus Nuachtáin
Clubanna Leabhar
Údair ar Cuairt
Achmhainní Ar-Líne -
Encyclopaedia Britannica & Nuachtáin Domhanda
Staidéar Áitiúil

Seiceáil amach blag do Leabharlann Áitiúil le haghaidh sonraí.

 

 

nuashonraithe ar: Friday, 03-Feb-12 23:37:09 GMT