Proposal Title

Information Literacy in undergraduate research: transforming an old idea into a new environment.

Session Type

Presentation

Room

PAB 117

Start Date

10-7-2013 3:00 PM

Keywords

competency standards, student retention, student success, information literacy, undergraduate research, academic and social integrity

Primary Threads

Teaching and Learning Science

Abstract

Elizabeth Braaksma, Vera Armann-Keown, and Michele Piercey-Normore.

Undergraduate research has historically been an integral component of the educational experience in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, but rapidly changing science-related disciplines pose unique challenges to identify, evaluate, acquire, and use information. Students are required to demonstrate competency in research papers and conduct laboratory research. Information is scrutinized by anonymous reviewers and is exposed to ethical and legal ramifications. A model was developed to implement information literacy (IL) into existing programs that already have a strong research foundation using the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) standards for Science and Engineering. The model aligns both sets of learning outcomes (information literacy and discipline-specific), and provides sample exercises with rubrics for evaluation. The integration of IL learning outcomes within the context of a discipline in which the student has an interest, enables a more powerful learning environment than if the outcomes were separated. The program ensures the five IL competency standards are met at each level of a four-year degree, and that students take responsibility for their own success resulting in greater retention throughout their programs and into their future careers. The implications are that the IL integration will provide the tools necessary to help students remain within and successfully complete their academic programs; and gain added value to their knowledge and skills that can be extended into society or to a graduate degree and beyond.

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Jul 10th, 3:00 PM

Information Literacy in undergraduate research: transforming an old idea into a new environment.

PAB 117

Elizabeth Braaksma, Vera Armann-Keown, and Michele Piercey-Normore.

Undergraduate research has historically been an integral component of the educational experience in the Faculty of Science at the University of Manitoba, but rapidly changing science-related disciplines pose unique challenges to identify, evaluate, acquire, and use information. Students are required to demonstrate competency in research papers and conduct laboratory research. Information is scrutinized by anonymous reviewers and is exposed to ethical and legal ramifications. A model was developed to implement information literacy (IL) into existing programs that already have a strong research foundation using the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries) standards for Science and Engineering. The model aligns both sets of learning outcomes (information literacy and discipline-specific), and provides sample exercises with rubrics for evaluation. The integration of IL learning outcomes within the context of a discipline in which the student has an interest, enables a more powerful learning environment than if the outcomes were separated. The program ensures the five IL competency standards are met at each level of a four-year degree, and that students take responsibility for their own success resulting in greater retention throughout their programs and into their future careers. The implications are that the IL integration will provide the tools necessary to help students remain within and successfully complete their academic programs; and gain added value to their knowledge and skills that can be extended into society or to a graduate degree and beyond.