Information Literacy > For Faculty: Alternatives to the Research Paper Assignment

Research Logs
Description	Students maintain a log that documents the research they do in preparation for a major project. Students document the search tools they utilize, the search strategies they apply, and their results.
Value	Students better understand the research process and see it in their work. Students keep track of their research and avoid duplicating effort. Regular review by instructor encourages students to start early. Regular review and feedback from instructor provides direction and guidance throughout the semester, resulting in a better final product.
Goals	Students begin research early and make substantive progress throughout the semester. Students document their use of search tools and search strategies, and record their results. Students are able to trace the origins of good and bad resources they find for their research.
Guidelines	Require students to add entries on a regular basis starting early in the semester. Review logs periodically during the semester; provide direction/redirection when needed. Require students to explain how they will revise future research based on what they've learned from this experience.
Examples	Wheelock College Research Log University of Manitoba Research Log
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