I am the most surprised that students use course readings as their first strategy instead of Google. I would have thought Google would have been the first choice. In my personal college experience, I would Google information first, and then if I couldn't find what I needed there, then I would look through the course readings. I chose Google first, because it seemed so much more convenient. I could just type in a question and the information was right there. I didn't have to go searching through a book.
2. How accurately do the findings from this study reflect your own research strategies?
These strategies are pretty similar to my own, except that Google was my first choice. I agree that Google and the course readings were my main sources during research. I also never asked the librarian for help with research. The only time I went to the library was to use the computers. The entire time I was there, I may have checked books out three to five times. I did occasionally use EBSCO, but usually only when the teacher recommended it.
3. How does it differ from the kinds of research people do in the workplace?
When you are researching information for the workplace you usually have the big picture in mind. You aren't just doing research to do research; which is what I think happens a lot in college. During my general education classes we did research on random topics that I always felt they never dealt with what I would be doing in the workplace. It seemed pointless to me and that is why I was so uninterested. However, when I started taking my teacher education classes the research had a purpose. The topics I was researching were things I needed to know as a teacher.
4. Do you think the recommendations to improve the research process for college students will better prepare students for the world outside of school?
Yes, I believe it will better prepare them. Giving the students course related research will prepare them for researching specific information that they will need in the workplace. I believe they will be more engaged and motivated because the research has a purpose and they can see the big picture. It won't be just busy work or trying to get a certain grade, it will be about the information; it will be important to them. I also believe that building a relationship with the librarian is a great recommendation. They are a valuable resource to finding reliable sources. They know where to search that students might not. I wish I had taken advantage of this while I was working on my undergrad degree.
5. Embed an image related to searching for information.
Created by Fitz. (September 2006). Retrieved from http://blaugh.lockergnome.com/2006/09/26/where-is-the-secret-of-life/
Source
Head, A.J. & Eisenberg, M.B. (2009). LESSONS LEARNED: How College Students Seek Information
in the Digital Age. Retrieved from: http://kennison.name/files/zopestore/uploads/libraries/documents/student-info-seeking-2009.pdf
It is surprising that students use course readings, but then again if I have a specific course related question, often the professor directs me to the course text.
ReplyDeleteGreat image!
ReplyDeleteIt's important that educators provide students with compelling reasons to research. There is nothing more engaging than researching cures for cancer when you have cancer. The trick is making these compelling response to research relate to the content when need to teach. I think it can be done but teachers need a strong understanding of their content in order to do it.
I believe that often teachers choose research that is course related more than authentic learning because it is easier to grade, structure, and give examples within the lesson. Although this method may be easier, it is not beneficial for students. Not every student will do their best in researching a topic unrelated to themselves or their community. We need more teachers who are willing to think outside the box and do what they can to engage and help student learning.
ReplyDeleteI, too, was surprised that students choose course text over Google. Google is easy and the course text requires actual searching through text. One problem that I do see with Google is that it is too easy. Students often don't have to understand what they are reading, just find something that appears related according to their Google search.
ReplyDelete