Report on Research Assignment Handouts

The Chronicle of Higher Education reported this summer about a new study from the University of Washington’s Information School on research paper handouts:

Most research-assignment handouts given to undergraduates fail to guide the students toward a comprehensive strategy for completing the work, according to two researchers at the University of Washington who are studying how students conduct research and find information.

And despite “seismic changes in the way that information is now created and delivered,” most such handouts call for a traditional research paper, the researchers say in a progress report on Project Information Literacy, a continuing national study based at the university’s Information School.

The researchers found that while handouts typically contain instructions on the mechanics of constructing a paper, few offer a full explanation of the research process.

Read the full Chronicle article here: http://chronicle.com/article/Research-Assignment-Handouts/123702/

And find the complete report here: http://projectinfolit.org/pdfs/PIL_Handout_Study_finalvJuly_2010.pdf

CFP: NEFDC’s “Reflective Practices” conference (due July 1)

The New England Faculty Development Consortium is now accepting proposals for its fall conference, being held November 19th, 2010 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.

The conference theme is “Better Teaching: Better Learning – Reflective Practices for Faculty.” The Program Committee seeks proposals that reflect the best in research and practice of college teaching and reflective practice for faculty and higher education professionals in New England.  The deadline for submission of proposals is July 1, 2010.

Details of the event and information regarding submission of proposals can be found at this link: http://www.nefdc.org/proposals.htm

In addition, the NEFDC is seeking articles for the Fall 2010 edition of The Exchange newsletter on the conference theme. The deadline for submissions of articles is June 25, 2010.

Teaching Roundtable this week

Responding to Student Writing

Thursday, March 27, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Duffy 114 Conference Room

Wine and cheese provided

There’s no question that increasing opportunities for writing can improve student learning. However, finding time to respond – and respond well – to writing assignments can be a challenge.

For this roundtable, Scott Cohen (English) and Marilena Hall (Chemistry) will lead us in a discussion of strategies for responding both effectively and efficiently to student writing. What are the benefits of staged writing assignments? Can less be more when marking student writing? Come share your ideas for grading student writing without spilling much ink or many tears.

Workshop on “Designing and Grading Writing Assignments”

The Colleges of Worcester Consortium is hosting a workshop on “Designing and Grading Writing Assignments” featuring Linda B. Nilson, founding director of the Office of Teaching Effectiveness & Innovation at Clemson University.

Held Friday, February 29 from 1:00 – 3:00 in the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, the workshop will focus on strategies for designing writing assignments that solicit better, more critically engaged writing from students, in addition to covering techniques for better using rubrics.

The fee for attendance is $40. Register by February 22, 2008.