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EDEC 262 • Foundations in Literacy K-9: Library Instruction • Jigsaw

Library resources, information, and instruction for EDEC 262 with Professor McDaniel

  

Database Jigsaw header

Instruction Session


Session Overview

Today we will be exploring four databases chosen from Archer Library’s A to Z Database list and OneSearch, a comprehensive search tool that facilitates access to select Archer library resources using a single search box. We will be using a modified Jigsaw activity.

  • The class will be divided into five groups; each group will research their assigned topic using a designated database.
  • Groups will answer a series of  questions. An activity worksheet will be provided.
  • Each group member will be assigned a number (1-5) . Members will be responsible for answering their question and sharing with the group.
  • Evaluate the assigned database by reflecting on the final question prompts. Use the whiteboard provided to collaborative share results with the class.

The purpose of this activity is to strategically explore selected databases and evaluate their use as an information resource for your research.


What is a Database?

Databases are often described as an organized collection of resources, such as scholarly journals, periodicals, peer-reviewed articles, newspapers, eBooks, or media, available to users online. Some database, such as ERIC, the Education Resource Information Center from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) are open for the public to use. However, it is important to remember not all content public databases is free to view.

Databases are a powerful search tool providing students the ability to find credible information. Archer Library, through OhioLINK, has purchased access to a collection of research databases; content is available to the university community. These databases are proprietary resources requiring users to authenticate - or login - from off campus locations.

➤ Choose the library databases tab to learn about today's resources.

Resource Overview

We are going to explore five resources: OneSearch, located on the library home page, and four databases from the library's A to Z Database List.


OneSearch

OneSearch is a comprehensive search tool that facilitates access to almost all of Archer library's resources using a single search box. It is 'one-stop-shopping,' so to speak, allowing users to identify resources - books, e-books, and articles - without having to choose a single databases or the library catalogs. OneSearch can save time and may lead you to sources otherwise overlooked. It is useful for locating information to start the research process, whether from a book or journal article.


Library Databases

The four library databases selected for this activity are:

➤ Choose the group information tab to learn about your group's database and topic.

Group Overview

We will be working in five groups of five (or four) students, depending on class size. Research topics were determined by your professor for your assignment. Database and topic assignments are detailed in the table below.
 

  Group
Library Database
Research Topic
     
   1 OneSearch Word Work Strategy
   2 Academic Search Complete Writing Workshop Strategy
   3 Education Research Complete Comprehensive Strategies in an Interactive Read-Aloud
   4 Education Full Text CLOSE Reading Strategy
   5 ERIC - EBSCO Anticipation Guide / Book Talk

Group Members & Questions

Questions have been designed to help manage the search process; numbers are assigned each question. Every student in the group is responsible for answering one question. Remember, these questions provide a framework that will help you strategically explore your database and evaluate its use as an information resource for your project.

 

Student #
Question/s
   
   1 What type of results did you find? Were there books, articles, newspapers, and or reviews? How did you determine result type?
   
   2 Is there any way to modify your search results? Can you choose a particular type of item? Are you able to look for a date range to find more recent resources?
   
   3 Does the database have full-text articles? How can you tell? What steps did you take to locate full-text?
   
   4 Is there a way to manage your results? Can you download, print, or email the article? Can you save the article to view later?
   
   5 Are you able to easily locate information needed to cite the article for your research? Does the database provide any help with this task?

➤ Choose the JigSaw Activity tab for directions.

Jigsaw Overview

Follow the steps outlined below to evaluate your database. It's as easy as one, two, three.

Estimated time on task • 15 minutes.

Step One • Select a Search Term 

Each group will determine a term - a keyword - used to search for their assigned topic. You may choose to enter your topic as is, or craft one you feel better suits your group project.

Step Two • Conduct a Search

Use the selected search term - aka conduct a keyword search - and explore the assigned database. Each member is tasked with answering their assigned question (1,2,3,4, or 5) and sharing results with their group. Use the activity worksheet for individual answers; use the group whiteboard for collaboration.

Step Three • Database Evaluation

Review your groups results. Discuss and determine if the database supports your research. Is it a good information resource for your assignment?

Use your groups whiteboard to respond to these prompts:

  • Discuss two useful things about the database,
  • Identify what, if anything, this database lacked, 
  • Do you think it is a resource useful for your research, and
  • Share any final thoughts about the resource and your process.

Share Evaluation Results

Once you have come to a decision, each group will share their results the class. Informal presentations will last no more than 3 minutes.

Estimated time on task for all presentations • 15 minutes


Whiteboard Images • Overview

Check back here at the end of the Jigsaw instruction session to view photos of each group's database evaluation whiteboard.


EDEC 262 • 2 p.m. Class


Group 1
Group 2


Database Evaluation OneSearch


Database Evaluation Academic Search Complete

Group 3
Group 4


Database Evaluation Education Research Complete


Database Evaluation Education Full Text

Group 5
Viewing Tips
 

Database Evalulation ERIC


Interested in a closer look?

Click on the photo to view full size.


Whiteboard Images • Overview

Check back here at the end of the Jigsaw instruction session to view photos of each group's database evaluation whiteboard.


EDEC 262 • 3 p.m. Class


Group 1
Group 2


Database Evaluation OneSearch


Database Evaluation Academic Search Complete

Group 3
Group 4


Database Evaluation Education Research Complete


Database Evaluation Education Full Text

Group 5
Viewing Tips
 

Database Evaluation ERIC


Interested in a closer look?

Click on the photo to view full size.

Archer Library

Active Learning lab photo

Welcome to the Bernice Faber Baker Active Learning Lab at Archer Library.

Resource Links

Archer Library Online

Select resources supporting this session.



Jigsaw Activity Sheet

Handouts will be provided during the session. Feel free to download a copy to use later.

 

 

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