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Information Literacy Skills Development (ILSD)

This guide introduces faculty to definitions, issues, resources, and librarian-supported workshops and instructional sessions.

Why Assess ILSD Sessions?

 

There are 3 important purposes for assessing Information Literacy Skills Development sessions:

To ensure that students are learning what the course, institution, or profession considers essential skills.

To provide a basis for improving learning.

To satisfy the need for accountability to institution or company by explaining clearly the institution's goals and accomplishments.

Evaluation vs Assessment

 

The difference between evaluation and assessment:

1. Evaluation

  • How well did you teach the class?

2. Assessment

  • What did the students learn?
  • How effective is an instruction program?
  • Student must demonstrate new knowledge
  • Tied to class learning objectives

Assessment Ideas

 

The difference between evaluation and assessment:

1. Evaluation

  • How well did you teach the class?

2. Assessment

  • What did the students learn?
  • How effective is an instruction program?
  • Student must demonstrate new knowledge
  • Tied to class learning objectives

The Librarian utilizes the Information Literacy Assessment & Advocacy Project (ILAAP) assessment tool. Developed by the University of Alberta Libraries and Red Deer College Library, this customizable tool focuses on assessment of information literacy program and the impact they have on student learning.

Assess a Single-Concept Class

 

Techniques used by your Librarian for assessing a single class:

  • One minute assessment
    • Assessing as you go
    • Questions / Feedback
    • Quick exercise(s)
    • One minute written summary
    • Open recap of class
    • Student-led class summary
  • Discussion
  • Active learning
  • Exercises and worksheets
  • Group work

Methods that can be used during or after class:

  • Faculty feedback
  • Pre/post testing
  • Student survey
  • Twitter #hastag & backchannel conversations
  • Clickers / PollEverywhere

The Librarian utilizes the Information Literacy Assessment & Advocacy Project (ILAAP) assessment tool. Developed by the University of Alberta Libraries and Red Deer College Library, this customizable tool focuses on assessment of information literacy program and the impact they have on student learning.

Assess an Integrated Program

 

Useful techniques for assessing multiple classes:

  • Student research log or journal
  • Student assignments
  • Pre/post assessment
  • Online quizzes
  • Professional projects or performance
  • Rubrics
    • Matrix or rubric of performance levels for a given task
    • Professional competencies or class outcomes

Methods for assessing during or after class:

  • Assignments and papers
    • Check sources
    • Skills involved in completing assignment
  • Faculty feedback
  • Professional projects or performance
  • Student survey

COTR Librarian utilizes the Information Literacy Assessment & Advocacy Project (ILAAP) assessment tool. Developed by the University of Alberta Libraries and Red Deer College Library, this customizable tool focuses on assessment of information literacy program and the impact they have on student learning.

Librarian Session Assessment

 

ILSD Evaluation Checklist

Your Librarian uses this assessment checklist for both pre- and post-self-reflective evaluations and distributes to participants who evaluate the session.


Assessing Librarian-led Session

Assessing information literacy skills development sessions is key to identifying gaps in instruction and opportunities for improvement.  Faculty are asked to complete an assessment questionnaire after each session.