1. Does the research assignment support your course  & program goals?

Consider ensuring that your research assignment aligns with the goals of your course and program. 

Students will be more motivated if they see how the assignments fit in to your course and program.

2. What sources will you require for the assignment? What types of sources are not allowed?

We recommend letting students know what types of sources they should use, what they should avoid and why. 

Undergraduates often have little to know experience with academic research, and without guidance will chose inappropriate resources and/or become overwhelmed by the process. 

3. Does the Library have adequate sources for all your students?

We highly recommend that you check that the Library has adequate resources for your assignment.  If you wish, please contact your liaison librarian for assistance.

University of Toronto libraries has a vast collection.  However, it's still worth checking that we have enough sources for your students to avoid panicked e-mails from students who can't find adequate material a few days before the assignment is due. 

If you have a large class, and would like them to access limited sources, we recommend putting them on Course Reserves at St. George, UTSC. or UTM

4. What search tools should students use for your assignment?

If you have particular databases, indexes or other search tools that students should be aware of and use for your assignment, consider how you'll let students know about them.  

At your request, your liaision librarian can meet with you to discuss  a variety of in-person and online options.

5. Would you consider scaffolding your assignment? (Breaking it into steps.)

Scaffolding, or breaking your assignment into small steps, can often improve students' success because they have the opportunity to focus on one or two skills/task at a time. 

For example, instead of just assignment a research essay, you might have students submit an annotated bibliography, outline, and then a final essay at the end of the term.

6. Do students have adequate library research skills to complete the assignment?

Undergraduate students frequently have little to know experience doing academic research.

You may also wish to give your students a brief quiz to find out about their research experience and/or to test their research skills.

7. If not, would you consider including a library research session in your course?

At your request, a librarian can provide library instruction customized to your assignment to help students learn to find relevant resources.  There are several in-person and online options. 

Please contact your liaison librarian for more information.

8. How can you reduce citation angst?

At your request, a librarian can provide library instruction customized to your assignment to help students learn to find relevant resources.  There are several in-person and online options. 

Please contact your liaision librarian for more information.

9. How will student research be graded?

You may wish to designate marks to students' quality of research. 

For example, have you considered including research in your marking rubric?

Written by Sarah Fedko

Information Literacy Librarian, UTSC Library (Fall 2011)