Which of the following is NOT a suggested best practice for a fifth-grade research project?

Encouraging students to work independently is not typically considered a best practice for a fifth-grade research project. At this stage, students benefit significantly from collaboration, guidance, and interaction with peers and educators. Independent work can lead to challenges, especially in research, where the complexity of information and the need for critical thinking skills can overwhelm them.

Best practices usually emphasize the importance of collaboration, which enhances learning through shared ideas and perspectives. When students work together, they can discuss their findings, clarify doubts, and build on each other’s knowledge. Moreover, web literacy skills are crucial for helping students navigate and assess the credibility of online information; understanding this is critical for effective research. Using multiple resources enriches the research experience and fosters a deeper understanding of the topic, so it is encouraged as well.