Library Skills for CPD

Submitted by Nikol Price on
Duration
-
Abstract

Librarians have been visiting CPD150 classes since Fall 2009. A librarian does a 30 minute session covering basic library information and resources. At the conclusion of each session, a short assignment is handed out and students are required to return the completed assignment in at the library. These assignments are graded by a librarian and returned to the course instructor who gives the student credit for his/her work.

Each year librarians analyze the results of these assignments and make improvements to the instruction sessions based upon questions that students seemed to struggle with. In the past 2 years, 1055 CPD students have completed and turned in the assignment. Of those, the vast majority either get a perfect score or miss one question.

The most commonly missed question has to do with identifying different parts of an article citation. To address this, librarians have altered the way this portion of the instruction session is taught. Spending more time on the parts of a citation has resulted in improved student scores. The librarians continue to monitor results and will edit the assignment and instruction method as needed.

Division/Department
Completed Full Cycle
Yes
Course Number
CPD150
Files
Attachment Size
libraryintroductionassignment.pdf 50.27 KB
Assessment of the Month
Rating
Average: 4.8 (6 votes)

Comments

Erik Huntsinger Wed, 09/12/2012 - 9:41am

Another great example of collecting real student information, finding weaknesses, and making changes to improve results.  I wonder if as part of your study you looked at how well students did if they had the 30 minute session from the librarian vs. the classes did not.

Peter Turner Tue, 09/18/2012 - 12:36pm

Nikol, this is a prime model of assessment informing instruction! I also appreciate how you keep spiraling the loop, and growing from each spiral! Kudos to library staff!!

Kimberly Graber Thu, 10/24/2013 - 3:14pm

Jennifer Wong came to my CPD 150 class on campus and provided this assignment along with a 30 minute presentation.  All of the students turned in their assignment and reported how valuable it was to learn about the resources available to them.  Additionally, she provided me with the same presentation and assignment in an electronic format for my CPD 150 class out at the Buckeye Educational Center (BEC).  This allowed the students at BEC to feel connected.  Thank you Jennifer!