ERIC Number: EJ1184524
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0748-5786
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Developing Research Practitioners: Exploring Pedagogical Options for Teaching Research Methods in LIS
Alemanne, Nicole D.; Mandel, Lauren H.
Journal of Education for Library and Information Science, v59 n3 p26-40 2018
This paper reports on an investigation into the effectiveness of teaching research methods in library and information science (LIS). A review of the literature revealed that the LIS community is engaged in a continuing debate about the most effective means for teaching research methods courses in master's-level LIS programs. Many LIS master's students enter their programs lacking backgrounds in social science research, and many exhibit skepticism about the need for LIS practitioners to understand and engage in research. The small research project described in this paper was designed to contribute to this discussion by exploring how several different iterations of the final project implemented in a research methods course at the University of Rhode Island's (URI) LIS program contributed both to student retention of learning outcomes after completing the course and to the graduates' views of research and their engagement with research as practitioners. The authors developed a survey consisting of 20 closed-ended questions in single and matrix formats, covering three categories: respondents' experience with the course, their current use of research, and their opinion of research. The findings show promise for further research in the pedagogy of LIS research methods courses. Respondents demonstrated achievement and retention of course learning objectives and a generally positive attitude toward research.
Descriptors: Research Methodology, Methods Courses, Information Science Education, Teaching Methods, Student Surveys, Delivery Systems, Research Proposals, Research Projects, Assignments, Behavioral Objectives, Research Skills, Graduate Study, Instructional Effectiveness, Statistical Analysis
Association for Library and Information Science Education. 2150 N 107th Street Suite 205, Seattle, WA 98133. Tel: 206-209-5267; Fax: 206-367-8777; e-mail: office@alise.org; Web site: http://www.alise.org/jelis-2
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Rhode Island
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A