research instruction

Submitted by Olga Koz on October 14th, 2024
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Short Description: 

The literature review design (LRD) tool helps design a traditional review nested in the dissertation or thesis. It was created based on the interactive Hopscotch research design framework (Jorrin-Abellan, 2020). 

  • Students are asked to answer questions in the LRD form and engage with resources in the Guide to LRD. 
  • Students may stop working on the form (after steps 3, 5, and 6) and submit preliminary results (Save & Submit).
  •  Ultimately, they will receive the graphical representation of the literature review (table) and literature review protocol. 
Attachments: 
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LRD Form_Graphic_24.docxdisplayed 457 times366 KB
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TLED9900LR-Syllabus-Summer 2024.docxdisplayed 873 times91.78 KB
Learning Outcomes: 
  • Evaluate the role that literature review has in planning research.
  • Differentiate between the types/genres of literature reviews, their methodology, strengths, limitations, and sources of bias, and select the appropriate type of review.
  • Distinguish between the types and levels of evidence/literature/publications and select the appropriate ones for review.
  • Develop and apply the systematic literature-searching strategy and the protocol for evidence collection.
  • Frame the proposed research theoretically and conceptually
  • Reveal research, conceptual, and methodological gaps.
  • Sharpen critical thinking skills while analyzing and appraising evidence.
  • Synthesize the literature analysis results to inform your study's research questions, design, and framework.
  • Submit the draft of the literature review for a dissertation proposal or Chapter 2 of the dissertation.
Discipline: 
Education

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

The LRD tool was a formative and summative assignment for the course "Literature review for Ed.D. students." Each step in designing the literature review protocol included various activities ( watching a video tutorial, answering questions, or attending search and analysis sessions.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

The course syllabus includes activities (video and other self-paced tutorials, working on the interactive form, AI applications).

Assessment or Criteria for Success
(e.g. rubric, guidelines, exemplary sample paper, etc.): 
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LR_Rubric.docxdisplayed 408 times21.3 KB
Assessment Short Description: 
Literature Review rubrics
Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 
Suggested Citation: 
Koz, Olga. "Dissertation's Literature Review." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2024. https://projectcora.org/assignment/dissertations-literature-review.
Submitted by Kaitlin Springmier on February 28th, 2022
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Short Description: 

An icebreaker activity for students at any level, “Visualizing Research” employs tactile or kinesthetic learning techniques to illustrate research as inquiry. This group activity can be used in a variety of disciplines and contexts. By having students create and share visual models of their ideas or experiences with research, the lesson plan increases classroom engagement and supports an understanding of the iterative process of research.

Learning Outcomes: 

After this activity, students will be able to: 

  • Build a visual model of research

  • Describe the research process in their own words

  • Relate their past experiences to an upcoming research project

Discipline: 
Multidisciplinary

Information Literacy concepts:

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This activity is part of a larger class session focused on preparing students for their upcoming research projects. At this point in the semester students should have been introduced to a research project, but have not begun researching (or might not have chosen a topic). Students break up into groups of 3-4 students, depending on material availability. Each group receives a handful of construction materials (colored paper, play doh, magnetic tiles) to build a visual representation of research. Visual models should take 10-15 minutes to complete. At the end of the activity, the instructor brings the class together to discuss various visual models and how the models emulate the research process. (We first heard about the idea of creatively representing the research project from Marcela Y. Isuster from McGill University at LOEX 2019, this is inspired by their idea.)

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

Hodge-Zickerman, A. Stade, E. York, C. S. and Rech, J. "TACTivities: Fostering Creativity through Tactile Learning Activities," Journal of Humanistic Mathematics, Volume 10 Issue 2 (July 2020), pages 377-390. DOI: 10.5642/jhummath.202002.17 . Available at: https://scholarship.claremont.edu/jhm/vol10/iss2/17

Isuster, Marcela Y. “Master Manipulators: Using Manipulatives for Tactile and Kinesthetic Learning in the Information Literacy Classroom.” Workshop. LOEX 2019. http://www.loexconference.org/2019/sessions.html

Kuczala, Mike. Training in Motion : How to Use Movement to Create Engaging and Effective Learning. American Management Association, 2015.

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

Tips: 

Abstract materials (e.g. magnetic tiles, cut paper shapes) are more likely to contribute to abstract representations and descriptions of research. If the craft materials allow students more flexibility in creation (e.g. Play-doh, drawings), students might create more literal representations.  Post-it Notes can provide a way for students to add labels to their research models.

We’ve found success in taking pictures of students’ creations to share with the class, in future sessions, or with teaching colleagues.

Collaborators: 
Suggested Citation: 
Springmier, Kaitlin . "Visualizing Research." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2022. https://projectcora.org/assignment/visualizing-research.
Submitted by Duke University Libraries RIS Team on November 6th, 2019
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Short Description: 

In post-session feedback, first-year students frequently express anxiety over how to physically navigate the library to find a book on the shelf. This is a simple, pre-session activity to help students try this out before class, so that they can discuss with their librarian any challenges they faced in attempting to complete the task. With the help of the course instructor, students are asked to find a book on their research topic (or course topic) and bring it to class.

Attachments: 
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Finding a Book Instructions.docxdisplayed 720 times13.61 KB
Finding-a-Book-example.pdfdisplayed 854 times340.67 KB
Finding-a-Book-template.pdf.docxdisplayed 731 times93.98 KB
Learning Outcomes: 
  • Utilize the libraries online catalog to find a book suitable to chosen topic
  • Locate the specific book identified in the search in the stacks
Discipline: 
Multidisciplinary

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 
Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 
Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 
  • Librarian will need to coordinate with instructor to ensure that the assignment is clearly communicated to students before class;
  • Participation, or assignment, credit helps as an incentive.
Suggested Citation: 
RIS Team, Duke University Libraries. "Finding a Book." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2019. https://projectcora.org/assignment/finding-book.
Submitted by Duke University Libraries RIS Team on October 23rd, 2019
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Short Description: 

This is an activity that helps students develop an interdisciplinary search strategy in stages. Students define their topic, brainstorm questions related to their topic area, and connect these questions to the disciplines and experts where they might find more research and information. Students learn how to identify search tools & information sources based on their questions using the library’s website.

Attachments: 
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Directions for Instructordisplayed 898 times13.8 KB
Blank Template for Use by Students or Instructordisplayed 1055 times324.05 KB
Completed Exampledisplayed 1039 times494.5 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

Breakdown topic by brainstorming relevant ideas and questions

Analyze these ideas to identify subject areas, this will help inform later searches on topic (ie what databases to consult)

Identifies key concepts and terms that describe the information need

Recognizes that knowledge can be organized into disciplines that influence the way information is accessed

Discipline: 
Multidisciplinary

Individual or Group:

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

·         Students don’t necessarily know a lot about different academic ‘disciplines’ and may need some help making meaningful connections between their topics and particular disciplines.

·         Students may need help and/or to do some background research to think about interesting questions/issues related to their topics.

Suggested Citation: 
RIS Team, Duke University Libraries. "Developing an Interdisciplinary Search Strategy." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2019. https://projectcora.org/assignment/developing-interdisciplinary-search-strategy.

Teaching Resource

A practical guide to how to think through the process of researching a project.

Submitted by Kirsten Hansen on December 19th, 2017
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Short Description: 

During this activity, students work in small groups to explore assigned databases and then share back what they learn in a Google Doc projected at the front of the classroom.

Attachments: 
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Database_Exploration_with_Google_docs.docxdisplayed 1937 times287.4 KB
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Sample_Lesson_Plan_databases and google docs.docdisplayed 1504 times120.5 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will construct a search using their keywords in a designated database in order to find three articles are superficially relevant to their research topic.
• Students will analyze one database in order to articulate one useful feature of the database for their research assignment, and explain why or how the feature might be useful to their assignment.

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

I frequently use this activity for first year research classes across a wide variety of disciplines when the faculty member teaching the class has asked me to demo databases. I have also used it with great success in higher-level discipline specific classes including biology and my colleagues have used it with graduate students. This activity works best for classes with a research assignment and when students have received the research assignment and are starting to think about their research topic prior to the IL session. However, I've also had classes where students have not yet received their research assignment and working with a single research question as a whole class works just fine. In that case, I usually have a research question that I've created that we can work with but with discipline specific classes we've also created research questions together at the beginning of class.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

To see how this activity fits into my somewhat-typical first year instruction session, see the sample lesson plan below. Please note: This is a real lesson plan and thus refers to class activities not explained here. The lesson plan is mostly meant to show how the google doc exercise can fit into a larger class session. If you have questions about the other activities mentioned in the lesson plan, please ask!

Collaborators: 
Suggested Citation: 
Hansen, Kirsten. "Exploring Databases with Google Docs." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2017. https://projectcora.org/assignment/exploring-databases-google-docs.

Teaching Resource

Explores how reading and the writing process are as important as and critically connected to the research process. Chapter five has the greatest emphasis on information literacy.

Teaching Resource

A website produced by library instructors at Brigham Young University for use in blended learning instruction with First-Year Writing (FYW) classes.

Submitted by William (Bill) Badke on August 25th, 2016
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Short Description: 

A two-credit online graduate information literacy course.

Learning Outcomes: 

The student will: A. show an understanding of the complex current world of information resources; B. demonstrate the ability to formulate a strategy for research; C. show skill in identifying a research problem, acquiring a variety of informational resources to address that problem, evaluating those resources, and putting them to effective use; D. demonstrate an appreciation for planned research from topic to completed project.

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This is a required graduate level course for Associated Canadian Theological Schools of Trinity Western University. The course was implemented in 1987 and the online version has been operating without interruption since late 1999.

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, scaffolding applications, supplemental modules, further readings, etc.): 

Textbook: William Badke, Research Strategies: Finding your Way through the Information Fog (iUniverse.com). Other activities located in the assignments on the course website.

Potential Pitfalls and Teaching Tips: 

Online information literacy instruction requires intense involvement with students: Ready availability by e-mail, maximum 24 hour turnaround for queries and assignment grading, and extensive comments on student assignments following a formative rather than summative assessment pattern.

Suggested Citation: 
Badke, William (Bill). "RES 502 - Research Strategies." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2016. https://projectcora.org/assignment/res-502-research-strategies.
Submitted by Cristy Moran on April 6th, 2016
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Short Description: 

Students write to communicate and their writing, when citing sources, must communicate what they understand of others’ writings. By asking students to write with the purpose of summarizing, paraphrasing, and quoting a selected article to their classmate, they will experience what you experience when you read their writing. They will understand the purpose and mechanics of using sources in their writing. Activity is highly adaptable and suitable for independent readers high school and above. Activity can be modified for lower level learners. Additionally, .doc and .pdf versions of worksheets are attached so instructors can feel free to alter. Activity steps: * Distribute Source Notes worksheet to students. * Give students 10 min to re-read their source and to complete one summarize/ paraphrase/ quote exercise. * Students will exchange Source Notes with partner (Student B). * Without consulting Student A, Student B will tell the class what they understand about Student A’s topic. * Student A will self-assess, answering what they could have done better to communicate in writing. (Example sources are provided as PDF if students' actual sources are unavailable. Instructors are free to use their own example sources - those provided are included for inspiration or adoption.)

Attachments: 
AttachmentSize
Source Notes_directions+worksheet.docxdisplayed 1098 times21.75 KB
SourceNotes_worksheetONLY.docxdisplayed 862 times14.92 KB
SourceNotes_worksheetONLY.pdfdisplayed 1060 times92.69 KB
SourceNotesActivitySlides.pdfdisplayed 1068 times19.77 KB
Example IL Excerpt 1.pdfdisplayed 1488 times102.2 KB
Example IL Excerpt 2.pdfdisplayed 888 times83.2 KB
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Source Notes_directions+worksheet.docxdisplayed 698 times21.75 KB
SourceNotes_worksheetONLY.docxdisplayed 737 times14.92 KB
SourceNotes_worksheetONLY.pdfdisplayed 831 times92.69 KB
SourceNotesActivitySlides.pdfdisplayed 818 times19.77 KB
Example IL Excerpt 1.pdfdisplayed 811 times102.2 KB
Example IL Excerpt 2.pdfdisplayed 714 times83.2 KB
Learning Outcomes: 

Students will practice critical reading & note-taking with research materials relevant to their immediate need (i.e. their assignment). Students will share their notes with a partner who will present to class – and assess their own effectiveness in communicating ideas in writing.

Individual or Group:

Course Context (e.g. how it was implemented or integrated): 

This activity has been shared and modeled for non-librarian and librarian instructors. The materials can be used in support of a real assigned research project/ paper or with example sources. We encourage the use of actual student research materials to be used in the classroom portion of this activity so students can continue use beyond the interactive exercise. It is not recommended that this activity be implemented during a one-shot library instruction session due to the length of time required. It can, however, be introduced in a one-shot library instruction session. Materials used for this can also be distributed to academic support partners including but not limited to composition faculty, writing centers/ labs, tutors, reference areas, or other front line staff who students engage with questions about research or writing.

Suggested Citation: 
Moran, Cristy. "Source Notes ." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments), 2016. https://projectcora.org/assignment/source-notes.

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