This poster session focuses on the use of Batman and Superman as subjects for brainstorming the 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, & Why) with students starting to learn the research process. It is often confusing for students to simultaneously understand a new technique and new information. The superhero approach allows students to apply practiced and/or low stakes information to a fresh framework. It has become clear, after using this strategy with many classes, that students engage more in instruction classes, feel less anxiety about approaching their assignments, and have less hesitation starting the research process.
This poster has both heroes’ emblems at the top, on either side of the poster title. Underneath each symbol are examples of 5 W brainstorming sessions – filled in with the compiled answers from multiple instruction sessions. Sample research questions and search terms accompany these lists. In the middle, there are tips on how to use this idea with attendees’ classes. Across the bottom, there is a brief explanation of academic compassion, the concept that prompted trying out a new method of teaching research basics, and a list of resources on that topic.