April's Featured Writer: Leigh Goessl

Ok, so April is half over and I'm just now getting to this. But you all know how busy a college mom can get...right, so I hope you forgive me. This month we will be looking into the mind of Leigh Goessl. No matter how hard I try I just can't seem to come up with the right words to use to introduce her. She has over 800 articles published at Helium.com, with over 100 of them focused on education. I think it's safe to say, we can all learn something from her:)!!

The first piece I'd like to share with you is on the pro's and con's of using Wikipedia as a research reference. Before we look at her work I'd like to add my two cents, for what it's worth. Wikipedia is a great reference to get the ball rolling, but it is rarely, if ever, an acceptable source to use in college level writing. You will want to use sources that have been peer-reviewed. We'll talk more about that at another time.

So, without further ado, here is Leigh Goessl on the pro's and con's of using wikipedia to research your college papers:

Your professor just assigned an 8-10 page research paper to be completed before the end of the term. After much consideration you've chosen your topic and constructed an outline, and it's time to get down to business and begin your research. Where to start?
When you enter a few keywords into good old trusty Google, the first in your list of results typically links you to a topic in the Wikipedia website. The search result article also probably offers a wealth of information, and at first glance you're thinking this looks pretty good and you may think you are set for your research.
Not so fast......http://www.helium.com/items/909883-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-wikipedia-to-research-your-college-papers

haha...you didn't think I was going to put it all in here...did ya?
Now click over to the article and finish reading...it really is worth your time!

Oh, and since it took me so long to get this writer of the month going, I will run them from the 15th to the 15th...K?