Search, Sort, Create, Communicate

 
 
Definitions
 

SSCC is an acronym used for designing learning opportunities to help students

become users of information. 
 

"S" stands for searching.  Students access the specific information and develop a broad
overview of the topic. 
 

"S" stands for sorting.  Students classify the information in order to make connections
and determine relevant vs. irrelevant information for their purpose.
 

"C" stands for create.  Students use the information to create a clear product that
organizes and demonstrates their learning.
 

"C" stands for communicate.  Students share with the community the knowledge they
have learned through the products they have made.  In this step students help others
understand the connections and conclusions that they have made throughout the
process of using the information.  Students can reflect on what they have learned
through the process of SSCC during this step.
 
Components:
 
There are many components and different types of technologies (tools) that can help
teachers create lessons for students that incorporate the SSCC model of learning and
teaching.  They include:
 
 databases (these may be as broadly based as the internet or they may be as
specific as an Excel spreadsheet developed by the teacher)
 Internet research
  books, encyclopedias, library research
 essays, stories, reports, artwork, writing, music, video
 speeches, presentations
 publishing/sharing student work
 graphic organizers - these can be created using MSWord applications
or can become intricate using programs such as Inspiration
 
 
Importance to Educational Practice:
 
As our society continues to depend more and more on information, we as
educators, need to make sure that our students become good users of the information
they encounter throughout life.  To do this they must be able to search the information,
sort the relevant information from the irrelevant, create a product using the information
found, and communicate the connections found in the information (SSCC).  During the
search and sort process, students need to remember the "Halo Effect" which helps
students check information for validity and judge the source of information.  Using the
SSCC guide develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  There are
opportunities to apply the knowledge learned and use higher thinking skills through
creating and communicating.
 
When teachers use this model during the planning of their lessons, it ensures that
students become users of information.  Once implemented there is communication
between teachers and students, and it helps develop an in-depth understanding of the
material. 
 
Implementation Strategies and Ideas:
 
A teacher who implements the SSCC strategy is giving his/her students the opportunity
to become information users in all aspects of their lives.  Lessons that use authentic
problems to implement SSCC will not only teach students the importance of gaining
knowledge for their school lives, but also for their everyday lives.  SSCC is a great
strategy to use when:
 
 creating database lessons
 implementing research projects
 comparing two pieces of literature in order to fill in a Venn diagram
 creating artwork, poems, or music to share content information
 sharing stories and presenting projects to the class
 publishing work online
 creating wikis
 completing webquests
 creating class blogs
 creating a class video
 creating flyers, bumper stickers, posters, etc. to disseminate
information