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

Pathfinders
Description	Students create an annotated Web guide of the best resources and search techniques on a particular topic.
Value	Students must discern quality information and evaluate resources based on authority, currency, accuracy, coverage and objectivity. Students are encouraged to explore beyond their research "comfort zone" and investigate a variety of types and formats of potential sources.
Goals	Students become familiar with a variety of research tools and types of information sources. Students learn to compare and contrast a variety of information sources on a given topic and determine their value.
Guidelines	Pathfinders can vary greatly in length, content, and coverage. Be very specific in describing what you expect from your students. Specify categories of resources to be included, such as: books, subscription databases, journal articles, journal titles, primary sources, image resources, organizations and associations, experts/scholars, blogs, mailing lists. Pathfinders should include a title, introduction to topic and a scope note (description of what the pathfinder is and is not covering regarding the topic). Students should supply essential research questions, search language, and LC subject headings (as appropriate). Sources listed should have brief annotations, 1-2 sentences pointing out a source's purpose, unique features, content, and access points.
Examples	UNC School of Library and Information Science - Digital Project Depository De La Salle University Library Pathfinder - Biomedical Engineering
Get Help Designing a Pathfinder Assignment for Your Class
Back to Alternatives to the Research Paper Page