This guide provides tips for designing library research assignments that emphasize critical thinking and promote effective research skills. This presentation was developed for the Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching's Teaching at Vanderbilt Orientation:
Librarians are available to collaborate with you to develop assignments that strengthen information seeking skills and encourage critical thinking. Below are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind when planning your next research assignment.
It may be time to re-think the traditional library research project. Instead of focusing on having students gather a set number of sources for a standard term paper, look at assignments that teach students how to think critically, how to ask questions and solve problems, and how to use different strategies to gather information to answer those questions. Take the first step by contacting your subject librarian or Melissa Mallon, Director of Teaching & Learning, at melissa.mallon@vanderbilt.edu or 322-3147 to discuss your interest in creating assignments/exercises that reinforce critical thinking skills.
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