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