InfoGuides: Student Learning Assessment Toolkit: Outcome 2

SLAP Outcome 2

Students will be able to implement a focused search strategy. (Research as Inquiry / Searching as Strategic Exploration) 

Some skills that teach to this outcome:

Refining searches
Citation Mining
Keywords
Using appropriate search tools for information needs
Subject Headings, MeSH
Boolean Operators
Database Filters
How to organize and save sources (Zotero)

Ideas for Assessment: Activity 1

Assessment Activity 1: In your own words, describe in one sentence how each of the Boolean operators “AND”, “OR”, and “NOT” can be used to search for information about your research topic. Provide an example of a Boolean search for each operator you would use in your own research process.

Skills:

Boolean Operators
Using appropriate search tools for information needs

Scoring:

	Criteria	Yes/No	Comments
Outcome 4: information clearly paraphrased	The summary is concise, accurate and understandable
Outcome 4: shows understanding and ability to apply concept	The information is conveyed in a way that makes sense to the audience
Outcome 1: examples given match concepts	Examples of Boolean are clear and match the type of operator used

Ideas for Assessment: Activity 2

Assessment Activity 2: Find one suitable article (can be popular, scholarly, or trade) using Mason Library resources. Document your search process; include your research topic, at least 4 keywords you selected to find your source, which database you searched in, and any database tools/filters you used to find your source.

Skills:

Refining searches
Keywords
Using appropriate search tools for information needs
Database Filters

Rubric:

Activity	Points	Comments
Find a Mason Library source that is scholarly, popular, or trade	0-2
Source is appropriate for their research topic	0-1
Identify 4 keywords related to the research topic	0-4
Used an effective search strategy (used filters, search tools, etc.)	0-1