A Study of Applying Research-Based Learning to a Digital Collection Development and Preservation Course for Digital Information Management Undergraduate Students at Walailak University

Abstract

The aims of this research were to explore students’ learning achievements, satisfaction levels and attitudes regarding the use of research-based learning (RBL) approach in a Digital Collection Development and Preservation course. Participants of the study are 17 Digital Information Management (DIM) undergraduates registered in the course in the second semester of 2016 at Walailak University, Thailand. The instruments used were pre- and post-attitude questionnaires, and questionnaire measuring levels of students’ satisfaction. The results indicated that 1) studentspassed the learning achievement test at a rate of 58.82 %; 2) their overall satisfaction with RBL was generally high, and 3) students’ attitudes towards RBL were significantly higher after its use than before, specifically regarding their perceptions of enhancing analysis and critical thinking skills, and the extent to which RBL will be helpful in their future careers. Additionally, the students also reported they were happy to study in this type of course.