Playing to Their Passion: A Legal Research Course that Resonates with Law Students

The first year of law school is chock-full of new experiences. Students can become overwhelmed in the face of so much change that they forget why they chose law school as a career path. They often lose sight of their end goal and need a touchstone to ground them back to their initial interests. Legal Research is the ideal first-year class to connect the acquisition of legal skills with interesting topics in a way that encourages students’ engagement in their present and future learning. By adding a student-selected subject context to their class, Legal Research instructors can incorporate contextualized learning and active learning techniques that improve student engagement and student learning. This article discusses the transformation of a generic, required, first-year legal research course into one that divides into four small (18–20 students) classes, each with one of four topics: patent, trademark and copyright, traditional practice, and social justice. In addition, it envisions future innovations to improve student engagement and student learning.     

An empirical study of the impact of multiple modes of delivery on student learning in a blended course

ABSTRACT

Finding ways to promote students’ online learning performance has always been regarded as a necessity for higher education institutions. In this study, we investigated how certain modes of learning delivery can potentially influence students’ learning. Precisely, the effects of Face-to-Face (F2F), Learning Management System (LMS), and Web-based Learning (WBL) on students’ online learning were examined. A survey questionnaire, distributed to 196 undergraduate students, was used in this study. The use of these modes showed varied effects on the learning outcomes of students. F2F learning mode was found to influence students’ performance in completing online assignments. The result also showed that the use of LMS-based learning mode affects students’ performance in the final exam. These results are believed to provide useful directions for the higher education community to better understand how certain modes of learning delivery can be related to the development of students’ performance in a blended learning environment.     

试析阅读活动与大学生关键能力的培养

文章对阅读活动与大学生"关键能力"的培养之间的关系进行详尽阐述,指出阅读活动的重要性与不可代替性,并希望通过此文唤起大学生的阅读兴趣。     

融合学习情境下的信息检索课实训教学设计与实践

信息检索课实训教学是培养和提高学生信息素养、学习能力及解决实际问题能力的关键因素。文章提出改变当前较为传统的教学方式,运用情境学习理论和学习迁移理论,融合多任务情境学习的需求,创新实训教学方法,实行"课内实训+小组讨论汇报+汇报总结点评"三位一体的教学方式。实践证明,该教学方式更加符合学生学习认知规律,可以拓宽信息检索课程的应用环境,塑造灵动有趣有用的课程新形象,开启高效的集体协作学习模式,训练学生科学研究问题的思路和方法,丰富学生的学习体验。     

高校信息检索课程教学方法改革探讨

随着网络时代的到来以及学生规模的不断扩大，信息检索课的教学内容、教学方法、教学手段、教学模式等存在一些与学生需求、学生成长不相适应的地方，亟待进行改革，真正做到“以学生为本”，不断提高学生的学习兴趣，达到较好的教学效果，全面提升人才培养的质量。提出了基于建构主义学习理论的信息检索课程教学方法改革、实施改革的具体措施。     

Distance Learners' Self-efficacy and Information Literacy Skills

This study investigates distance learners' information literacy skills in using digital library resources and the factors (online learning and information manipulation) that correlate with learners' information seeking self-efficacy. In addition, distance learners' preferences with regard to digital resources selection and interests of developing information seeking skills were examined. 3517 students enrolled in one or more distance education courses were invited to participate in the online survey; 219 students completed the survey, for a response rate of 6.2%. The results revealed that distance learners who have higher self-efficacy for information seeking and proficiency in information manipulation exhibited higher self-efficacy for online learning. Moreover, students with high self-efficacy demonstrated superior knowledge of digital resources selection. Students who have low self-efficacy with regard to information seeking were more likely to express interest in learning how to use the library resources, although learning techniques for database searching was the exception.     

A university library management model for students’ learning support

Abstract

This research was aimed at developing a university library management model that would support students’ learning. The research was conducted in three phases: 1) an investigation into the requirements of a university library service of instructors; 2) an investigation into the attitudes of librarians, libraries’ administrators, and university’s administrators toward the roles of library and policy concepts relating to university library management that promote students’ learning; and 3) the development of a university library management model for students’ learning support. A mixed research method was applied comprising qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and questionnaires. The findings have led to a proposal of a university library management model that supports student learning, which is comprised of five components: 1) management policy and system; 2) learning resources; 3) learning support services; 4) learning environments; and 5) the competency and roles of information professionals. It can be stated that studies into Thai university library implementation, strategic plans, and self-assessment reports under the quality assurance system showed that even though libraries have updated resources and services following changing situations in policies, technologies, and users’ needs, there is no clear indicator that Thai university libraries have any strategy for acquiring roles to support students’ learning with practical outcomes. Through reliable research work, this study into a model for university library management would result in a means of developing university libraries that truly supports university student learning based on information from instructors, library administrators, and librarians.     

Collaborative inquiry project-based learning: Effects on reading ability and interests

The academic performance of students has been shown to be associated with reading ability. Inquiry learning can potentially enhance the reading abilities and interests of students. This study verified this proposition by examining the effects of an inquiry approach to group projects on the reading abilities of primary school students. Using a case study design, an inquiry project-based learning (PBL) approach, with the collaboration between three types of teachers and the school librarian was implemented to support the development of reading abilities and interests of students in a primary school in Hong Kong. The participants included Primary 4 students, teachers, and parents. Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) tests were used to evaluate the students' reading abilities; survey questionnaire and interviews were used to examine the participants' perceptions of the inquiry PBL; and the PIRLS survey was used to measure the students' attitudes and self-perceptions. Quantitative and qualitative data analyses showed positive effects on the reading abilities and attitudes of the participating students. Students' attitudes and self-perceived abilities appeared to influence the improvements in reading abilities. Finally, improvements in the students' reading comprehension, reading speed, and vocabulary were perceived. These findings provide evidence and insights to support further implementation of inquiry PBL in primary schools.     

A new method of using student self-assessment: Bridging gaps between teaching content and student learning

ABSTRACT

This longitudinal pilot study developed and tested an instrument to assess students’ perceptions of the extent to which they accomplished the learning objectives that were listed in a number of communication course syllabi. In addition to students’ perceptions that they had improved from the start to the end of the semester in achieving course objectives, the findings revealed that students’ assessment was related positively to their ratings of professors’ teaching effectiveness. The instrument provides valuable information about students’ accomplishment of teachers’ course learning objectives.     

The Changed Role of the Elementary Library Media Teacher

The fundamental value of the library media program is its involvement with the shcool wide instructional program and the development of informatino literacy skills. While some improvements can be made by either administrator or library media teacher working alone, when there is learning the results are multiplied. Specific actions to help intitiate change are described. The need to balance sufficient structure with elements of choice and creativitiy, to insure young students are successful not frustrated by search assignemnts, is adressed. Current trends encourage classroom teachers to provide students with interdisciplinary, cooperative, and authentic learning experiences. When the library media teacher plans cooperatively with the classroom teacher these needs can be met. Examples of learning activities which illustrate this philosphy are provided for grades 1-6. By introducing elementary grade students to research through appropriate assignemnts matched to their abilities and interests, they remain eager to explore.     

专业知识嵌入信息检索课教学的探索与实践

介绍将专业知识嵌入信息检索课教学中的方式,指出这种教学模式可将信息检索教学内容与学生专业课知识相结合,激发学生学习专业知识的兴趣;根据问卷调查反馈结果,分析专业知识嵌入信息检索课教学的优点及问题,提出完善措施。
     

Students’ Preferences Regarding Four Characteristics of Information Literacy Screencasts

Information literacy screencasts were created by librarians and integrated into all of the nursing department's distance learning courses. Before creating more videos, the researcher decided to evaluate the screencasts’ effectiveness based on certain video characteristics. The researcher identified four characteristics that might affect students’ opinions of the screencasts’ effectiveness and developed guidelines based on the findings. It is hoped that by creating tutorials that are responsive to the preferences of distance learning students, librarians can improve their reach to these students.     

TARGET模型在高校信息素养教育中的应用研究

在学习动机视角下,高校信息素养教育存在学生缺乏学习兴趣、缺乏主动性、缺乏信心等问题。TARGET是一种激发学生学习动机的教学模式,论文尝试将TARGET模型运用到高校信息素养教育实践中,构建一种基于TARGET的高校信息素养教育模式,以期解决信息素养教育中的问题,为高校息素养教育的提供新思路.     

馆员——教师协作的信息素养教育实践探索

开展馆员——教师协作的信息素养教育,能够为学生搭建起信息检索和专业学习融合的桥梁,是一种新型的信息素养教学方法。通过生物学学科馆员和细胞生物学专业教师在教学内容、教学方法和教学效果评估等方面进行密切合作,协作教学激发了学生学习兴趣,增强了学生学以致用能力,提升了学生信息素养,教学效果显著提高。     

Wiki Technology Enhanced Group Project to Promote Active Learning in a Neuroscience Course for First-Year Medical Students: An Exploratory Study

A wiki group project was integrated into a neuroscience course for first-year medical students. The project was developed as a self-directed, collaborative learning task to help medical students review course content and make clinically important connections. The goals of the project were to enhance students’ understanding of key concepts in neuroscience, promote active learning, and reinforce their information literacy skills. The objective of the exploratory study was to provide a formative evaluation of the wiki group project and to examine how wiki technology was utilized to enhance active and collaborative learning of first-year medical students in the course and to reinforce information literacy skills.     

基于学生自主学习的高校图书馆知识服务模式构建

阐述了自主学习的概念和高校学生自主学习的现状,在分析高校图书馆开展自主学习知识服务必要性的基础上,提出基于自主学习的高校图书馆知识服务模式的四个特点,构建出自主学习知识服务的具体模式,并对其运作进行了详细说明;旨在为高校图书馆创新读者服务提供借鉴意义。     

Creating a Library Orientation Card Game to Reach New Transfer Students

Librarians and staff at a public university drew upon previous experience with instructional games to develop, implement, and assess a card game as a library orientation activity for new transfer students. This project was shaped by a desire to meet transfer students’ unique needs as well as the logistical constraints associated with the university’s transfer student orientation. The card game, modeled after Apples to Apples, presented information about the campus library system in a fun, informal way that allowed transfer students to socialize with each other while learning. Survey responses indicated that students found the game both enjoyable and helpful.     

以文献计量分析论文作为信息检索课考核方式的研究

针对当前国内高校信息检索课综述考核方式所存在的问题,分析以文献计量分析论文作为信息检索课考核方式的优越性,并为信息检索课教师如何组织好学生的文献计量分析论文的写作提出了几点建议。     

香港儿童的游戏化阅读教学研究:阅读大挑战

游戏化学习思维在儿童教学中具有重要影响,能够激发儿童的学习动机,增加学习兴趣。本研究针对香港儿童阅读现状,设计开发了游戏化阅读平台——“阅读大挑战”,同时基于游戏化理论框架,分析该平台的设计原理,并从使用动机、对阅读兴趣的影响、阅读习惯和阅读能力等方面对部分学生、家长和学科教师进行访谈调研。研究发现,“阅读大挑战”能够激发儿童的阅读动机,改善阅读习惯,提升阅读能力,为儿童阅读发展提供教学启示。