This article describes a method for the assessment of professional student outcomes (performance-type outcomes or soft skills). The method is based upon group activities, research on modern electrical engineering topics by individual students, classroom presentations on chosen research topics, final presentations, and technical report writing.…

This paper describes a project that underscores the critical role of this nation's museums and libraries in helping citizens build such 21st century skills as information, communications and technology literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, civic literacy, and global awareness. Recognizing that every individual requires these…

Presents two diagrams that model the communication process used by a learner solving academic problems. (PF)

Using simulated reference questions and a search exercise in a standardized list of subject headings, this test assesses several major skills of reference librarians: question analysis, selection of appropriate source, actual use of the source, and selection of appropriate subject terms. It also provides a means of determining the attitudes of…

Presents a library and information skills curriculum based on an information problem solving approach and Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives in the cognitive domain. The taxonomy is described, and six information skills that match Bloom's six levels of cognition are identified. (12 references) (CLB)

Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

Reviews the Big6 information problem-solving model. Highlights include benefits and dangers of the simplicity of the model; theories of instruction; testing of the model; the model as a process for completing research projects; and advice for school library media specialists considering use of the model. (LRW)

Discusses search strategy, strategies for understanding information, and instructional strategies as they relate to information literacy. Topics include orientation to sources and services; awareness of key literature; critical thinking and problem solving; inquiry; reading comprehension to enhance understanding; and strategies used by proficient…

Illustrates how problem-based learning can be a context for developing information problem-solving skills, from defining an information need to evaluating information to articulating ideas through argumentation. It supports critical thinking, teaching for understanding, and development of student information literacy skills. (AEF)

Provides three activities that help develop library skills for elementary school students. One describes a riddle card game that reviews research book terms; one explains a book report activity; and one focuses on cooperative problem-solving activities to find titles by favorite authors. (LRW)

The ways in which the university library can serve the honors student through the cooperation of professional librarians and faculty are discussed. A close alliance with the university librarian can help promote successful structure and student experiences with research. Attention should be focused on the development of problem-solving skills that…

Ways in which the university library, in cooperation with the teaching staff, can ensure that information-gathering techniques become an integral part of the university education of first-year students are discussed. (LBH)

Designed to introduce the college student to library research and information use skills, this guide begins with an initial survey of the topic and progresses to how to write a report. It is divided into the following sections: (1) Introduction to Library Research; (2) Analyzing Your Subject and Beginning Your Research Plan; (3) Gathering…

Discusses the concept of cooperative learning and its application to library and information skills. Topics include Bloom's Taxonomy of Instructional Objectives; interpersonal skills; circles of learning; meaningful-use tasks, including decision making and problem solving; and suggestions for cooperative activities for library information…

Addressing many students' ignorance of library usage, describes an assignment requiring a critical bibliography to be submitted followed by a critical essay. Emphasizes the need, even in introductory large lecture classes, for a working partnership between instructional staff and professional librarians and for students to become familiar with…