CREATING EFFECTIVE LIBRARY/RESEARCH ASSIGNMENTS

Purpose

An effective assignment:

1. has a defined learning outcome

2. relates to the subject matter and learning objectives of the course

3. increases students' understanding of the subject and of the process of locating information related to the subject

4. requires analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information

Implementation

The instructor should:

1. explain to students why the assignment is important

2. make sure the necessary resources will be available

3. do the assignment, to get a sense of the kinds of problems students may have and the time involved

4. consider whether a library instruction session will be necessary or helpful

5. divide large projects into smaller steps with intermediate due dates, to keep students on track

6. require that students turn in photocopies of sources, to discourage destruction of library materials and discourage plagiarism

Characteristics

Clarity

1. give the assignment in writing, not simply orally or written on the board

2. define terminology and use specific terms (e.g., differentiate between magazines and journals and make sure the students know which to use for the assignment)

Currency

1. check to see if sources or tools have changed

2. be sure directions are up-to-date--computer based tools change frequently

Expectations

1. be realistic; students need to build toward research skills--they don't usually come with them

2. be explicit about acceptable types of sources or tools and the number (or a range) of sources needed

3. be clear about what types of Internet use are acceptable

Evaluation

1. evaluate the bibliography, not just the paper

2. include a means of evaluating the thinking process that went into the work, such as maintaining a research journal or annotating bibliographies

Pitfalls

Avoid:

1. assuming that students know how to use the library (even when they say they do)

2. giving a scavenger hunt assignment

3. giving an entire class the exact same assignment

4. overuse of reserves