Assessing Learning Activities Based on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy

Grant program: Teaching and Learning Development Grant Program

Grant recipient: Holly Hendrigan, SFU Library

Project team: Diana Cukierman, School of Computing Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sheena Tan, research assistant

Timeframe: October 2020 to June 2021

Funding: $5,000

Courses addressed: 

• CMPT 115 – Exploring Computing Science (pending approval)
• CMPT 320 – Social Implications - Computerized Society

Final report: View Holly Hendrigan's final report (PDF)

Description: We are interested in the issue of assessing learning activities based on the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy (IL) because we believe that information literacy skills are important and require explicit instructional interventions. In this case, the ACRL Framework approaches information literacy as concepts rather than discrete skills. We would like to explore and analyze whether achievement in one information literacy domain (Searching as Strategic Exploration) is associated with achievement in another one (Authority is Constructed and Contextual). Furthermore, most library research workshops at SFU are “one shot instruction” sessions that focus largely on practical skills rather than conceptual understandings. While studies have shown that instructors value IL skills and competencies, formal assessment of IL workshops is rarely practiced at SFU. The TLDG grant will assist in understanding whether our approach to teaching information literacy could be modified and/or re-purposed in other courses.

Questions addressed:

• What markers of authority did students recognize when assessing authors?
• What were the students’ achievements of the learning outcomes and is there an association between the achievements (assessing authority of the author vs. searching as strategic exploration)?
• How did the students evaluate the quality/reputation of the different publications? 
• What patterns emerged in students’ search behaviour? 
• What themes emerged in the reflection question?
  

Knowledge sharing: 

• Lunch & Learn sessions at the SFU Library 
• School of Computing Science meeting and Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) teaching and learning meetings
• Presenting at the Centre of Educational Excellence’s (CEE) events (i.e., Demo Day, T&L Symposium, etc.)
• We can also upload the assignment to Summit and/or the Canvas network 
• We will also plan to present at Computing Science Education and/or Library and Information Science conferences
  

Key Words: Information Literacy, ACRL Framework, Librarian-Faculty collaboration, Research Skills, Assessment, Action Research, Undergraduates, Multidisciplinary Approaches