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Information Literacy Toolkit

 

Inquiry is a process that focuses on problems or questions in the academic world and the community beyond. Research is collaborative and filled with the debate and dialogue necessary to further the field or societal need.  


Student Learning Outcomes: 

  • Develop researchable topics and questions based on curiosity, recognized information gaps or conflicting information 
  • Evaluate information and explore multiple perspectives while maintaining an open mind and critical stance 
  • Deal with complex research by breaking complex questions into simple ones 
  • Construct a foundational knowledgebase while searching on a new or unfamiliar topic 
  • Demonstrate intellectual humility  

Teaching Resources

Title 

How to Develop a Good Research Topic

Description 

This brief animated video provides an overview of the pre-work that goes into picking a research question that is creative, has enough context to be searchable, and is not too broad to manage. 

Resource Type 

Video (4 min.) 

Original Author 

Kansas State University Library 

 

Title 

Pass the Problem 

Description 

Students work in groups to critique peers database and search keyword selections. 

Resource Type 

Group Activity and worksheet 

Original Author 

Carolyn Caffrey Gardner – CSU Library 

 

Title 

Developing your Topic 

Description 

This 7-step exercise is designed to help students fine tune their research and develop a strategy. Strategies include identifying core elements, mind mapping and background reading. 

Resource Type 

Exercise Worksheet 

Original Author 

Project CORA