Rethinking the Way We Teach Research (Without the Overwhelm) [Ep. 69] Artwork

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Middle School Café – Strategies & Support for Middle School ELA Teachers

Rethinking the Way We Teach Research (Without the Overwhelm) [Ep. 69]

January 20, 2026 • Carolyn Wahl - Middle School ELA • Episode 69

Research is a core part of ELA, but it’s also where many students feel stuck and unsure how to begin. In this episode, I break down why research feels challenging for students and reframe it as familiar reading and writing skills students already know how to do. Instead of focusing on quick fixes, this episode helps teachers understand the thinking work behind research and why overwhelm is often a cognitive issue, not a motivation problem.

This episode kicks off a short mini-series on teaching research. Listeners will explore how focusing on one research skill at a time can bring clarity and confidence to students without lowering expectations or adding extra work. Upcoming episodes will take a closer look at evaluating evidence in reading and research and helping students spot bias in informational texts, all through a middle school lens.