The following includes brief descriptions of librarian-developed assessable activities/assignments that are mapped to the Information Literacies Student Learning Outcome (ILSLOs). This list is meant to provide suggestions and is not exhaustive. For assistance, more ideas, or to ask a librarian to teach a session contact your Subject Librarian.
Link goes to example assignment provided by University of Texas
An annotated bibliography activity requires students to properly cite a set of sources (which can either be selected by the instructor or by the students) and then produce relevant annotations for each entry. These annotations might focus on the content or argument of a source, source methodology, source credibility, the potential uses of a source in constructing an argument, and more. With an annotated bibliography, the final product on its own addresses several outcomes. However, with well-designed and intentional checkpoints and assessments along the way, it can address all of them to some extent.
In a Database Digging activity, students must identify a few databases germane to their research area and then answer a set of questions about each one, in addition to comparative/synthesis questions. Questions are designed to help students identify how each database can be used to address their information need, and how cross-database searching is often required to fulfill more complex information needs. Google, Wikipedia, and other popular non-academic resources can also be included in this assignment for expanded focus on information searching more broadly. This assessment demonstrates students’ comprehension of different types of information and where they can be found (i.e. what sources they need to use).
In a searching demonstration, students show how to search a particular database effectively to meet their information need. They can be given a list of database features and/or search techniques to address or allowed to choose those that best meet their needs. Students can teach the class about their database (live or recorded) or record their search process related to a research project while narrating their choices and thought process.
Assignment example from Ohio State University Libraries
Link goes to example assignment provided by University of Texas
Synthesizing scholarly sources is a key aspect of information literacy with wide-reaching applications across scholarship and communities of learning and/or practice, no matter the discipline. With a synthesis matrix, students are required to use their understanding of sources (often self-selected through previous research efforts) to organize arguments, perspectives, and findings from multiple sources into a holistic and thematic understanding of the information.
Link goes to example assignment provided by University of Texas
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