Enhancing Research Assignments for Improved Information Literacy

The following example shows how a good research assignment can easily be modified to improve its information literacy component.

Original Assignment:

Oral Presentation

You may choose any topic related to the subject matter of the course. However, please check your topic with me first.

There are two phases to this project:

I. Topic Proposal. Due 4/1 by e-mail. I will reply before the following class either granting approval or requesting changes. Your topic proposal will include the following:

  • Your choice of topic and why you have chosen it.
  • The main points about your topic.
  • Examples.
  • Your Research Plan.

II. The Presentation - Dates Vary.

Presentation Requirements:

  • Your presentation should last a full 10 minutes (you will be timed).
  • Your topic is of personal interest to you.
  • You address social, political, historical, and economic factors where relevant.
  • You use three types of high quality sources (see below).
  • You cite your sources on the last slide of your presentation.
  • Your delivery is clear (rehearse!)

Source Requirements

  1. Direct Experience: museum/site visit or interview.
  2. Print: Books or Periodical Articles.
  3. Scholarly Journal Articles.
  4. Web Sites: educational institutions, government, or non-profit organizations.

Grading

Grades will reflect:

  • Quality of Content (appropriate depth using specific examples and high-quality sources.)
  • Use of visual aids (well-chosen and high-quality images to support your content.)
  • Management of topic (organization of material into a cohesive whole).
  • Delivery (clarity, pacing, emphasis.)

Modified Assignment:

The following is a modified version of the above assignment. The essential nature of the assignment remains the same, but there is greater emphasis on formulating a research question, evaluating research sources, and the quality of research sources. Note for example, that students are now required to provide an evaluative annotated bibliography with their topic proposal, and that students are required to use a greater variety of sources. There is also research instruction built in to the assignment, which directs them to the Discover New York Research Guide.

Oral Presentation

You may choose any topic related to the subject matter of the course. However, please check your topic with me first.

There are two phases to this project:

I. Topic Proposal. Due 4/1 by e-mail. I will reply before the following class either granting approval or requesting changes. Your topic proposal will include the following:

  • Your choice of topic, phrased as a research question. For example, if you chose the "Triangle Shirtwaist Fire" as your topic, you might explore the following question: "how did the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire influence labor organization in the United States?" A good research question will focus your research and help you develop a thesis, which will make for a more interesting presentation.
  • The main points about your topic.
  • Examples.
  • An annotated bibliography of sources, which explains why each source was chosen, and how it will serve your presentation. It is highly recommended that you use RefWorks to manage your sources and format your bibliography. To find out more about RefWorks and to set up an account, go to http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/libraries/resources/refworks/

II. Presentation: Dates will vary.

  • Your presentation should last a full 10 minutes (you will be timed).
  • Your topic is of personal interest to you.
  • You address social, political, historical, and economic factors where relevant.
  • You use three types of high quality sources (see below).
  • You cite your sources on the last slide of your presentation.
  • Your delivery is clear (rehearse!)

Source Requirements

Your grade for this assignment will be based partly on the quality of your research and the sources you choose. Choose them carefully, especially Web sites, which have a wide range in quality. You are required to use at least one of each of the following types of sources:

  1. Direct Experience: museum/site visit or interview.
  2. Books.
  3. Scholarly Journal Articles.
  4. Primary Sources, such as historical newspaper articles.  

Grades will reflect:

  • Quality of Content (appropriate depth using specific examples)
  • Quality of Research (the choice of high-quality source material to support your presentation.)
  • Use of visual aids (well-chosen and high-quality images to support your content.)
  • Management of topic (use of evidence from source material to support your thesis.)
  • Delivery (clarity, pacing, emphasis.)