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Summary
According to its website, “Points of View Reference Center™ is a full-text database designed to provide students with a series of essays that present multiple sides of a current issue.” There are more than 280 topics available. Each topic has an overview, a point, a counterpoint, and a critical thinking guide. Once a student chooses a topic, these essays provide them with information that he can use to help write research projects. Topics include affirmative action, cloning, DNA profiling, slavery, sex education, abortion, and more. There are many different types of primary sources such as radio and television transcripts, newspaper articles, and references books. Links within the essays provide students with access to more full-text articles. A research guide helps students create essay outlines and cite sources. Each topic includes a visual component such as charts and graphs. Furthermore, students have the ability to post on blogs about topics to discuss the issue with other students.
Evaluation
This database is an excellent tool to help students do research for papers and projects. The topics are interesting and current. For example, the section “In the Spotlight” discusses Occupy Wall Street, a popular topic many students would like to understand. Points of View makes researching easy. The overview of each topic is an objective, fact-based description of the subject matter. The next essay is the point, or argument supporting it. Next, students read the counterpoint, or opposing argument. Because each topic has a point and counterpoint essay, and within these essays are links to articles and primary documents, the information is balanced. The Critical Thinking Guide helps students differentiate between fact and opinion, which improves their critical thinking skills. Furthermore, ideas for essays, research projects, and guides for debate are presented. Colorful charts and graphs present the information in a visually appealing way. The new blog feature creates a discussion forum for students to talk about their ideas with others, even if they are not in the same school. This database is designed with students’ interests in mind and because it has made it easy to do research, students will find the task of writing a research report or essay less formidable.
Why I Included it
I am embarrassed that I did not know Points of View was there. I had no idea we had it at our library. More than that, students can access it FROM ANY TIME, and from any computer. You don’t have to be at school to do online research! What is depressing is our district spends $34,000 on this subscription annually, but it’s hardly ever used. I think it’s because they are like me and don’t know it exists. Well, I am spreading the word. And I am looking forward to showing this to my students. USE IT!!!! If we don’t, we might lose it.
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