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

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:

Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new window
Academic Search Complete, designed specifically for academic institutions, is the world's most comprehensive scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, including 4,400 peer-reviewed journals
This database offers indexing and abstracts for more than 9,300 journals and a total of 10,900 publications including monographs, reports, conference proceedings, etc. Coverage Dates: 1984 –
Education Research Complete This link opens in a new window
Covers scholarly research and information relating to all areas of education, including educational specialties, testing, curriculum instruction, administration, policy, funding, and related issues
Provides full text for over 1,400 journals plus indexing and abstracts for 2,300+ other journals. Includes full text for over 550 books, monographs, and numerous education-related conference papers. Dates covered: 1960s-present.
Education Full Text This link opens in a new window
Provides coverage for a wide range of topics, including adult education, continuing education, literacy standards, multicultural education, secondary education, higher education, and distance education.
Also included are topics of religious education, instructional media, teaching methods, and school administration. Indexes over 770 periodicals dating back to 1983 and includes full text content from over 350 journals as far back as 1996. Dates covered: 1983-present.
ERIC: EBSCOhost This link opens in a new window
Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC), the world's largest source of education information, contains abstracts of documents and journal articles on education research and practice.
Includes descriptions and evaluations of programs, research reports and surveys, curriculum and teaching guides, instructional materials, position papers, and resource materials. ERIC currently boasts more than 1.3 million bibliographic records plus links to more than 323,000 full-text documents. Dates covered: 1966-present.

➤ 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.