Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence

Objective - This study aims to assess student learning with respect to basic database searching at three different points within a required first year course. Methods - Three methods were employed at three different points to identify evidence of successful learning: 1. Analysis of in-cla...

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Main Authors: Dianne Cmor, Alison Chan, Teresa Kong
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: University of Alberta 2010-03-01
Series:Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/6509
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author Dianne Cmor
Alison Chan
Teresa Kong
author_facet Dianne Cmor
Alison Chan
Teresa Kong
author_sort Dianne Cmor
collection DOAJ
description Objective - This study aims to assess student learning with respect to basic database searching at three different points within a required first year course. Methods - Three methods were employed at three different points to identify evidence of successful learning: 1. Analysis of in-class exercises from the initial library workshop, e.g. how many students showed evidence of satisfactorily achieving the stated learning outcomes. 2. Participant observation of student presentations, noting themes, strengths and weaknesses of student research strategy; written observation reports from librarians were coded and quantified to identify major themes. 3. Interviews with course instructors responsible for grading the final submitted projects, focusing on both student achievement and instructor perceptions of the impact of library involvement. Results - Though performance on in-class exercises showed evidence of successful learning in over 70% of students, observational data indicated that very few students showed evidence of applying new knowledge and new search skills to their own topics two weeks later. Instructor interviews revealed a perception of similar difficulties in final project submissions, and instructors suggested that students did not appreciate the need for library resources. Conclusion - In this study, students showed evidence of learning in a simulated environment, but were unable or unwilling to demonstrate this learning in authentic situations. Multiple assessment methods reveal a lack of student ability to apply search skills.
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spelling doaj.art-404009ac8e0845feae934cd47110824d2022-12-21T23:59:36ZengUniversity of AlbertaEvidence Based Library and Information Practice1715-720X2010-03-015110.18438/B8VG9RCourse-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of EvidenceDianne Cmor0Alison Chan1Teresa Kong2Hong Kong Baptist University LibraryHong Kong Baptist University LibraryHong Kong Baptist University LibraryObjective - This study aims to assess student learning with respect to basic database searching at three different points within a required first year course. Methods - Three methods were employed at three different points to identify evidence of successful learning: 1. Analysis of in-class exercises from the initial library workshop, e.g. how many students showed evidence of satisfactorily achieving the stated learning outcomes. 2. Participant observation of student presentations, noting themes, strengths and weaknesses of student research strategy; written observation reports from librarians were coded and quantified to identify major themes. 3. Interviews with course instructors responsible for grading the final submitted projects, focusing on both student achievement and instructor perceptions of the impact of library involvement. Results - Though performance on in-class exercises showed evidence of successful learning in over 70% of students, observational data indicated that very few students showed evidence of applying new knowledge and new search skills to their own topics two weeks later. Instructor interviews revealed a perception of similar difficulties in final project submissions, and instructors suggested that students did not appreciate the need for library resources. Conclusion - In this study, students showed evidence of learning in a simulated environment, but were unable or unwilling to demonstrate this learning in authentic situations. Multiple assessment methods reveal a lack of student ability to apply search skills.https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/6509information literacyassessmentpractitioner-based research
spellingShingle Dianne Cmor
Alison Chan
Teresa Kong
Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence
Evidence Based Library and Information Practice
information literacy
assessment
practitioner-based research
title Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence
title_full Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence
title_fullStr Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence
title_full_unstemmed Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence
title_short Course-Integrated Learning Outcomes for Library Database Searching: Three Assessment Points on the Path of Evidence
title_sort course integrated learning outcomes for library database searching three assessment points on the path of evidence
topic information literacy
assessment
practitioner-based research
url https://journals.library.ualberta.ca/eblip/index.php/EBLIP/article/view/6509
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AT alisonchan courseintegratedlearningoutcomesforlibrarydatabasesearchingthreeassessmentpointsonthepathofevidence
AT teresakong courseintegratedlearningoutcomesforlibrarydatabasesearchingthreeassessmentpointsonthepathofevidence