TIP #1

CREATE WORDLES …to capture student feedback and/or ideas.

Lauren Wahman |University of Cincinnati, Blue Ash

KEYWORD BRAINSTORMING EXERCISE:Librarian leads students through an in-class exercise to help them pick apart their broad topics and settle on a specific research questions.

Benefits:Students learn to “arm” themselves with keywords and phrases that they can use to search catalogs and research databases, and also to think critically about how to construct their search statements to get the results they want and expect.

The list of subject areas that are related to the question helps the student decide which group of databases will be relevant to the topic!

TIP 1Eboni A. Johnson | Oberlin College

TIP #2

Tip 1

Scholarly vs. Popular Article ActivitySara Klink | Stark State College

TIP #3

Directions • Place students into small groups (I do groups of 3)

• Pass out article packets o Each packet contains 3 different, credible articleso 3 colored cards labeled (Article #1, #2, #3)

• Have students review articles and decide as a group which article is scholarly

• Remind students to refer back to their computer screen for the characteristics of popular and scholarly articles

• Give them 5mins to come to a group decision

• Count to 3, ask each group to hold up the colored card with their answer on it

• Ask each group to share with the class something they noticed when comparing the 3 articleo You can now review and explain in more detail, some of the unique

characteristics of each periodical

Students can refer to this page for characteristics of the different periodicals.

Benefits

1. Students will recognize the difference between scholarly and non-scholarly publications.

2. Students will understand the value of using different types of sources.

3. Students enjoy group work.

4. Allows the librarian to interact and facilitate discussion.

5. Active learning activities encourages student participation and discussion during your instruction session.

Idea adapted from Celita DeArmond, Instruction Librarian, UT-San Antonio 2004

Supplies:Purchased from AmazonDry Erase Tent Cards, 50/ $11 Dry erase markers

Time: 5 minutes while students are getting settled

DRY ERASE TABLE TENTS Students write name and topic as they are getting settled—display on their desk

Benefits: • Forces students to choose topic • Saves time during one-on-one

instruction interaction• Ideas for search examples• Allows instructor to know students

better in 50 min. one-shot

TIP #4Kathryn Venditti | Ashland University

Variation on DRY ERASE TABLE TENTS… For a class that is predominately international , instructor has own table tents w/ instructor’s name in English and in predominant student language.

LOOSELY ADAPTED CEPHALONIAN METHODPurpose: encourage new students to talk in class & feel comfortable

Directions:• Distribute 6-12 color-coded cards to select students• Each card has a question & directions to read card

aloud when color is called

TIP #5Kathryn Venditti | Ashland University

Sure, we don’t mind if you eat in the Library! But…we trust you to use good judgment when eating around our computers & books .

LOOSELY ADAPTED CEPHALONIAN METHODWhen a student reads question, the instructor displays a single image answer on PPT slide.

Image Credit: The Guardian, Thursday 24 September 2009

Benefits:• Encourages students to talk• Done early in session, results

in more open discussions as class progresses

• Fast introduction to basic library questions

• Example is from 50 min. orientation

• Allows instructor to identify alphas for further class discussions

On LibGuide: Several examples of using Who, What, Where and What as a shortcut method to narrow topic. Original topic is in pink box in center. Final research question or statement is at top.

TIP #6

LIBGUIDES: NARROW TOPICS

Kathryn Venditti | Ashland University

From same LibGuide, step two: Worksheet to help identify keywords and develop search strategy. Geared toward lower level undergrads.

Credit: William H. Hanlon Library, Loyola Marymount U, LA

LIBGUIDES: KEYWORDS AND SEARCH STRATEGIES

An additional monitor, facing student, allows for more comfortable, detailed, one-on-one instruction at the reference desk.

TIP #7Kathryn Venditti | Ashland University