Teaching Research Outside the Classroom: A Case Study and Assessment

Abstract

Teaching students the research process is challenging in a one-shot library instruction session, but what can be done if even that opportunity does not exist? By creating a variety of digital modules and activities intended to instruct students on research methods and how to locate credible library sources in art history, the librarian for the College of The Arts (CoTA) at the University of South Florida developed a methodology to instruct over 200 students enrolled each semester in the History of Visual Arts I and History of Visual Arts II classes. This case study provides details about the learning modules and activities that were created, the assessment process and results, and the ongoing library instructional plan. Working in close collaboration with the art history professor and the instructional technologist/blended librarian over several academic years, the librarian for CoTA transitioned from a face-to-face instructional format to an online format that included the development of a course guide, quizzes, and instructional modules embedded in the course management system.