English teachers know how crucial it is for students to master proper source citation and avoid plagiarism. But lecturing on MLA citation and plagiarism rules is pretty boring. Students often struggle to retain and apply the specifics of in-text citations, Works Cited entries, and more. Perhaps we should present them with those lessons, but ALSO teach them how to find answers themselves. We know they aren’t going to memorize these rules, right?
This is where an interactive, self-guided webquest comes in! This modern, student-centered approach cements citation content in their minds (and if it doesn’t, it at least helps them figure out how to find out what they need to know in the future)! Here are a few key reasons an MLA citation webquest is a powerful pedagogy choice:
Promotes Self-Directed Learning: Rather than passively receiving information, webquests have students actively discover answers through guided online research. This inquiry-based model motivates them to take ownership over building their citation knowledge.
Teaches Them to Find & Use Credible Resources: As they navigate the webquest links and prompts, students gain exposure to authoritative citation websites and style guides. They learn firsthand where to locate the rules when questions arise in the future.
Differentiates with Flexibility: A webquest can serve multiple purposes based on your goals – from introducing new concepts through exploration to reviewing previously taught skills. Work can be independent for advanced students or collaborative for extra support. My students love to do this MLA Citation Webquest in small groups or with a friend. (It’s great for no-prep sub plans, too!)
Reinforces Why Citations Matter: When you’re building your webquest, you can add questions about integrating sources, paraphrasing, and what plagiarism is (and isn’t). In this way, your webquest can drive home the importance of ethical attribution. Students understand citations aren’t some stuffy old people thing, but an important tool to safeguard them against plagiarism issues in their future!
Ultimately, an MLA citation webquest is an efficient, effective way to build the research and writing skills students need for high school, college, and beyond. Let your high school ELA students take the lead in mastering this essential literacy!
- There are many ways to set up or lead into a quote!
- You can make the quote flow within your sentence, like this: In his Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, Written by Himself, Frederick Douglass argues that “Slavery proved as injurious [to slave holders] as it did to me” (31).
- You can use a phrase and a comma. It would look like this: Douglass argues that Auld’s prohibition against literacy for him was a profound experience, saying, “It was a new and special revelation” (29).
- You can also use a complete sentence and a colon. It will look like this: The effects of Auld’s prohibition against teaching Douglass to read were quite profound for Douglass: “It was a new and special revelation” (29).
- Want to read more about integrating quotes? Click Here!
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- How do you teach MLA 9?
- Has teaching MLA formatting and citation been contentious in your English department? What do you and your colleagues disagree about?
- Comment below! I’d love for my readers to add to the conversation!
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Related Posts for You:
- Teach MLA Like a Pro!
- Using a Webquest to Teach Citation Skills
- MLA FAQ
- All of My MLA Teaching Materials
- Why MLA Deserves Our Attention
- How to Teach Revision to High Schoolers
- Writing Help Page
About the Author: Carly Lamp has taught English 11/English III (American Lit) for 13 years & AP Literature for 10 years. She creates thorough, thoughtful, and rigorous materials, units, and resources for high school English teachers through both her blog and her TPT store (both named English with Mrs. Lamp). She believes great teaching shouldn’t require burning yourself out!
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