We offer a variety of Core Skills Tutorial videos that make an excellent addition or introduction to your library instruction session. Tutorial topics include a three-part citation series, basic and advanced search skills, focusing a research topic, evaluating internet sources, and more.
Any tutorial video can be embedded directly in your Canvas course either by using the YouTube icon in your Canvas page editor or by embedding the link using the "insert media" icon.
Many students have a limited knowledge of how to do research and/or use a research library. Be clear about the specifics of the assignment (length, citation format, sources) define any terminology that may be confusing, such as “peer-reviewed” or “scholarly article”. In addition, be clear about the types of resources students should be using in their research.
Breaking a larger assignment into smaller manageable steps is helpful to students. Take time to discuss a focus on the research question, reframing a research question, time management and effective information seeking strategies. If time allows, spend time discussing the importance of evaluating sources.
Discuss academic integrity and the importance of doing honest academic research and writing. Define for students how to attribute sources through proper citation. The library offers citation sessions each semester that are open to all students. See the calendar for upcoming workshops.
Each subject area at Boston College is assigned a subject liaison librarian. The librarians are subject specialists and can assist you in designing effective research assignments that will help students develop the skills necessary to locate and evaluate information as well as introduce the students to relevant subject specific resources.
Try out your assignment yourself to make sure that your students will understand how to find the necessary resources and to verify that the sources in question are readily available. Librarians can assist you in locating additional resources if necessary.
Librarians are available to come to your class or book a class in a library classroom to go over subject specific resources, information seeking tips and strategies, how to cite, and many other related topics. It may also be helpful to alert your subject liaison to student assignments so that your subject liaison can assist students individually if needed.
Librarians are interested in hearing from you about what worked and what did not. Where would you like more focus in the future? What was your assessment of the overall experience students had completing the paper or assignment? Your feedback helps strengthen the library instructional program.
