What is a Process Paper?
A process paper is a description of no more than 500 words explaining how you conducted your research and created and developed your entry. You must conclude your description with an explanation of the relationship of your topic to the contest theme.
A title page is required as the first page of written material in every category. Your title page must include only the title of your entry, your name(s) and the contest division and category in which you are entered. Do not include your age, grade or school name.
The first section should explain how you chose your topic.
The second section should explain how you conducted your research.
The third section should explain how you selected your presentation category and created your project.
The fourth section should explain how your project relates NHD's annual theme.
Sample Process Papers:
Martin Luther and the Reformation
Dr. Spock: Turning the Road in Parenting
Michigan: A State Divided No More
A title page is required as the first page of written material in every category. Your title page must include only the title of your entry, your name(s) and the contest division and category in which you are entered. Do not include your age, grade or school name.
The first section should explain how you chose your topic.
The second section should explain how you conducted your research.
The third section should explain how you selected your presentation category and created your project.
The fourth section should explain how your project relates NHD's annual theme.
Sample Process Papers:
Martin Luther and the Reformation
Dr. Spock: Turning the Road in Parenting
Michigan: A State Divided No More
| The Reflective Process |
The Reflective Process
The Process Paper is an important element of the competition. Student write about their work, the process, how they found what they found, and what inspired them. Students need to reflect on three areas of the process: the content knowledge they gained, the product they made, and the process that got them there. These three elements should be represented multiple times throughout their research process—it’s a cycle.
Using journal writing for reflection...
Consider asking students to journal at the end of every class to encourage reflection. Ask:
- What was done and why?
- What was learned?
- What sources were used to discover this information?
- What was produced with this information?
