Introducing the Assessment in Student Learning Lab
Library Assessment in Student Learning Lab will utilize existing data or collect empirical data to assess what and how well library resources, services, and spaces contribute to student learning. This will include research activities, such as investigating correlations between student library interactions and students’ academic performance, and analyzing systematic evidence to demonstrate the role of libraries in student learning perhaps combining data from library and academic systems. This lab will also examine new ways to enhance library contributions to student learning.
The Library Assessment in Student Learning Lab will conduct a series of research experiments that will contribute to our understanding of student learning through library engagement. This engagement will be interpreted broadly to include 1) course integrated instruction, 2) online library learning opportunities, and 3) research consultations, among other types of library engagement. The research output of this Lab will inform our report for the U-M 2020 accreditation as well as form the foundation of an Assessment of Library Instruction report for the University Library. As opportunities to assess student learning are often fluid, we seek to keep projects flexible. Interests and knowledge that Research Students bring to the Lab may influence our selection of projects.
Project: Analysis of Student Learning in a Variety of Learning Environments
Assessment of Student Learning through Research Consultations
The Lab team will investigate student learning as an outcome of the library’s Research Consultation Service. This project will focus on the research questions Do students achieve their self-identified learning goals through consultation with a librarian and do they successfully apply these knowledge and skills to their course projects? Below are examples of the research methods planned:
- Data from students participating in a Research Consultation with a librarian will be obtained through post-consultation surveys and focus groups
- Data from librarians participating in the Research Consultation Service will be obtained through post-consultation surveys and focus groups
Assessing Student Learning In In-person Library Instruction
The goal of this project is to assess the nature of student learning when a librarian teaches a one-shot session in a basic composition course in person. We are interested in investigating to what extent students are able to apply knowledge and skills to their course project and how such knowledge and skills help them achieve their learning outcomes as well as influence their learning experience. During the last moments of a one-shot session, an online survey will be administered while the students, librarian, and instructor are present. A follow up, online assessment will be administered approximately one-two months after the initial instruction. There could also potentially be focus groups at this time. Approximately 100-120 students will be assessed from October through December of 2018. The work for this project will include
- a contextualization process where lab student members will learn about the nature of in-person library instruction for basic composition courses.
- design of both survey questions and interview questions
- data analysis and communication of the results
Assessing Student Learning In Online Library Instruction
The goal of this project is to assess the nature of student learning when students complete online library instruction modules. Most of the students completing this assessment will be upper level students. Students will be assessed immediately after completing an online library module. A follow up online assessment will be administered approximately one-two months after the initial instruction. There could also potentially be focus groups at this time. Approximately 100-120 students will be assessed from October through December of 2018. The work for this project will include
- a contextualization process where lab student members will learn about the nature of online library instruction for upper level students
- design of both survey questions and interview questions
- data analysis and communication of the results
Lab Members
Soo Young Rieh
Associate Professor, School of Information
Doreen Bradley
Director of Learning Programs and Initiatives, University Library
Angie Oehrli
Learning Librarian, University Library
Emily sartorius
School of Information Graduate Student
Gina Genova
School of Information Graduate Student
Julia maxwell
School of Information Graduate Student
Regen roy
School of Information Graduate Student
Tori Culler
School of Information Graduate Student | Fall 2018 – Winter 2019
Elizabeth Hanley
School of Information Graduate Student | Winter 2018; Fall 2018 – Winter 2019
Emma Brennan-Wydra
School of Information Graduate Student | Fall 2018 – Winter 2019
Marley Kalt
School of Information Graduate Student | Fall 2018 – Winter 2019
Brian Matzke
School of Information Graduate Student | Winter 2018