What is it?
Getting and staying organized before and during your research project is is probably the most thing you can do to make sure your project goes smoothly. Organization during research involves writing down due dates, creating folders, deciding what tasks you need to do to complete your project as well as a bunch of other small decisions.

Quick Steps

1. Organizing Strategy
   Ask this: Which strategies will work best for me during this project?
   Do this: Decide on a set of strategies for keeping track of tasks and due dates and storing and organizing information.Combine strategies into a system that works for your style. You might use folders, calendars, and outlines or other tools.
   
   
2. Organizational Tools
   Ask this: Which tools will best help me 
   Do this: Select the the specific tools that will help you put your plan into place. Google Drive folders, NoodleTools, and Google Calendar are some examples of useful tools you could use.
   
   
3. Get Organized 
   ​Ask this: How can I stay organized while working on my research project?
   Do this: Put your plan into place by using the tools to stay organized and finish on time. Make staying organized a habit by breaking up your work into smaller tasks and doing a little each day.
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4. ​Check Work
   Ask this: Are my strategies and tools helping me stay organized and productive? If not, what do I need to do differently?
   Do this: At each part of the research process, make sure to check in with yourself. If the tools and tools are not helping you stay organized, try something else or ask your teacher or LMC Director for help.

Find resources (e.g. handouts, videos, tutorials) related to organizing information on the Resources page.