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Information Literacy in the Natural Sciences Workshop Reprised

Information and Library Services

Staff of ILS

Information and Library Services

Published: 0 2007

Category: » Information-and-library-services » Ils-workshops

Information and Library Services joined with the School of Undergraduate Studies' sciences department to offer a second session of the 10-day CTL workshop, Information Literacy in the Natural Sciences. Held initially in fall 2006, this workshop was repeated in the spring (April 23 through May 2), to assist UMUC science faculty in the integration of information literacy goals into their classrooms and assignments. Information literacy is one of the Core Learning Areas for both SUS and GSMT.

Co-facilitators Debra McLaughlin, Associate Professor and Assistant Academic Director of Sciences and Biology, and Robert Miller , Librarian, worked with faculty in the exploration and discussion of such topics as:

• how students can effectively and efficiently use library science databases
• how students can critically evaluate scientific information on the free Web
• sample assignments that go beyond the traditional research paper

Each workshop participant designed an assignment that integrated information literacy skills into the course content. Participants then critiqued their colleagues' assignments in a supportive, collegial atmosphere. Creative assignments that arose from the workshop included having students:

• critique a published research study
• find and evaluate information on engaging topics:
  • the question of octopus intelligence
  • early human fossils
  • popular diets
• develop a class Webliography that will serve as a resource for the students' major research paper
• consult authoritative sources to draft a personal disaster-recovery plan

Though the scope and details of the assignments vary, each emphasizes critical thinking skills needed to conduct effective research and to achieve UMUC's information literacy objectives for undergraduate students.

Similar workshops are planned for the future in other subject areas as Information and Library Services continues to collaborate with faculty in the integration of information literacy skills into the curriculum.