Contents
[hidetoc]Getting Started
There are dozens of Web sites that outline and elaborate on effective assignments; so as not to risk plagiarizing or reinventing the wheel, listed below are some of the best sites to get started.
Guidelines for Effective Assignments
- Effective Assignments Using Library and Internet Resources UC-Berkeley Library
'Through the assignments they make, faculty have the power to influence students' development as seekers and users of information. Many students are not "information literate" when they arrive at the University or begin work in a new subject area. They may not understand how to locate relevant information, or how to think critically about the information sources they encounter. Their coursework is often the only opportunity for them to learn the difference between "surfing the Net" and substantive research.
A well-designed assignment can teach students valuable research skills and improve the quality of their papers. Unfortunately, assignments also have the potential to confuse and frustrate students, leading to a poorly-written product. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind when developing assignments that require library or Internet research. '
Design Strategies for Library Assignments
Tips and best practices of integrating library resources into assignments:
- Dalhousie University Libraries
- University Libraries at University of Maryland
- California State University, Long Beach
Sample Assignments
Ideas to get you started with your own assignments:
- Tutt Library and the Research Component of the First Year Experience
-
Pace University includes worksheets
- Buena Vista University (IA)
Toolkit
Use the following worksheets, etc. for your alternative assignments.
- Googling to the Max-Exercises
- Investigating Search Engines
- Is Your Journal Scholarly?
- Evaluating Information Sources Worksheet
- Web Page Evaluation Checklist
- What is an Annotation?
- Writing an Annotation
- Using Primary Sources
Online Quizzes
-
Information Literacy Toolkits Great online quiz etc.
Putting Stout Library Resources into Learn@UW
Following are additional ways to incorporate library resources into your courses. Librarians are available to assist in locating and implementing these options!
- Add links to library resources in either the Content or Links sections of your course.
- Add links to library tools such as the Stout Library Catalog or Indexes and Databases in either the Content or Links sections of your course.
- Use the Library linkon your course navigation bar during class discussions to access scholarly resources to support points of view.
- Work with library staff to get digital copies of articles, book chapters, etc. to insert in your courseware. Electronic Course Materials
- Link directly to full text articles online in databases with persistent links
- Work with library staff to "deep link" to specific searches in the Stout Library Catalog or SuperSearch.
See also:
- Association of College and Research Libraries Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education
- Do a Google search for "effective library assignments" and browse through the sites; also narrow your search with your topic
Last Updated: 04/01/2008 and Last Revised: 07/25/2007
Contact Denise Madland for more information or help on this topic.