Preparing for the Library Workshop
Activity title: Developing Research Skills Before and During the Library Workshop
Author: Shannon Hervey
Activity Brief Description: This activity asks students to fill out a workshop that directs them through questions intended to help them connect research methodology (considering the different ways primary and second sources contribute to research; thinking about how they might integrate different types of sources into their research project, etc.) to the concrete research they'll do during their library workshop.
Course: PWR 1, though might be adapted to PWR 2 for use separate from a scheduled library workshop
Activity Length & Schedule: The first half should could be folded into class work, individually or collaboratively, but could also be assigned to be completed outside of class time before a scheduled workshop with a librarian. The second half should be completed during the library workshop.
Activity Goals: Through this activity, students will
- Distinguish between different types of sources and how they might be used in supporting a research-based argument
- Analyze the difference between primary and secondary materials in relation to their own research topic
- Develop criteria for analyzing the credibility of digital texts
- Apply strategies learned in the library workshop for gathering sources.
Activity Details: See worksheet (PWR instructors only: Canvas log-in required).