This document discusses a collaborative project between librarians and faculty at Ferris State University aimed at enhancing student learning through an argumentative research paper assignment. It outlines the course objectives, teaching strategies, and assessment methods while highlighting improvements in student performance and engagement with library resources. The feedback from students emphasizes the positive impact of writing and research skills developed during the course.

1. Stepping Up Student Learning by Rebuilding the Course Foundation with Faculty-Librarian Collaboratio n Kristen Motz Ferris State University http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibbit/2123959232/

3. Librarian  Professor: Impact in Collaboration College Critical Reading http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulwatson/20539223/ Kudos to Dr. Helen Woodman, University College, for her work with me on this project. It wouldn’t have worked without her amazing energy, cooperation, and creativity.

4. WRITING…IN A READING COURSE? Used with permission from Richard Guindon

5. INQUIRIES http://www.flickr.com/photos/crystaljingsr/3914729343/

6. Inquiries into Teaching and Learning Project Librarian and classroom faculty collaboration Argumentative research paper Impact on students Performance on course learning outcomes

7. Class Learning Outcomes: As a result of the process of writing and completing an argumentative paper, students will be able to: Evaluate the relevance and importance of text (reading) material in various content areas; Recognize the various levels of validity of material found in textbooks and in other varieties of print material; Develop and practice summarizing skills, including annotating and concept mapping; Develop the ability to ask appropriate questions of print material leading to better understanding of the author’s message and point of view; Recognize multiple points of view on a given topic and take positions in support of or in opposition of these viewpoints; Read diversely and deeply, applying literal and interpretative comprehension skills necessary for continuing college-level work

8. Outlining the Argumentative Paper http://www.flickr.com/photos/nics_events/2349630643/ INTRODUCTION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT CONCLUSION

9. How to Think About Weird Things: Critical Thinking for a New Age THiNK: Think: Critical Thinking and Logic Skills for Everyday Life

10. What to do with Weird Things Find 8 Reliable Sources Write Individual Paper Plan Group Presentation Create Original Game http://www.flickr.com/photos/iheartspam/34837902/ Keep a Research Log Research Both Sides of Your Topic Take a Position

11. Professor Tools and Techniques Recycled Puzzle Me sheets Journals/Logs Sweat Pages Textbook-based Assignment Individual Paper Group Presentation Student Created Games http://www.flickr.com/photos/geishaboy500/100043823/

12. Professor Tools and Techniques Revised for New Assignment Course Concept Map New Rubrics Course Timeline http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisecarbonell/3923601326/

13. PUZZLE ME SHEET DATE __________ NAME _______________________ What did I learn in today ’ s class that “ surprised ” me? What in today ’ s class still “ puzzles ” me?

15. Assessment Editing Revising Drafting Gathering Information Writing a Short Plan Writing a Formal Outline Finding Sources Writing Summary of Article and Application in AP Article, Summary and Application DUE Generating an Argument Library Mini Sessions Formulating a Topic and Thesis Finding a Subject Writing Help in FLITE or Writing Center/ASC Research Journal of Progress Presentation Plan Presentation Group Assignments Presentation Formal Outline PowerPoint Presentation Video/Visuals Presentation to Class Group Game Plan Group Game Group Assignments Group Questions Game Board Game Board Due for Grade Game Presented to Class Game Presented for Grade Game Played by Class Sessions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Exam Week

18. Librarian Tools and Techniques Class Web Page Point-of-Need Instruction Information Literacy Assessments Research Consultations

19. Librarian Session 1 Week 1 Introduction to Librarian Course Concept Map Introduction to Class Help Page Information Literacy Assessments http://www.flickr.com/photos/velkr0/3472576304/

20. Librarian Session 2: Getting Acquainted Week 4 Second Connection Review of Class Help Page (with book locations) Introduction to Catalog Introduction to 2 Databases http://www.flickr.com/photos/rooty/3661350095/

21. Librarian Session 3 - Week 5 Third Connection Review of class help page Interactive web evaluation exercise Let’s Go Whale Watching lakemichiganwhales.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/nhunt/1437954595/

22. Librarian Session 4 - varies http://www.flickr.com/photos/vancouverfilmschool/4379914053/ Fourth Connection APA Citation Work: Human Citation Game

23. New Strategies from Librarian Information Literacy Assessments: Online

24. New Strategies from Librarian Research Consultations Paper slips handed out twice in class Overwhelming response

25. Firming Up the Foundation – Results ! 113 students –> 94 completed papers (83.2%) 78.25% passed paper with C- or better Progressive improvement in student-selected sources Increased student interaction with librarians, Writing Center, and course professor 56 FLITE research consultations http://www.flickr.com/photos/ogcodes/257409323/

26. Challenges Overwhelming rush to FLITE librarians: FLITE was prepared Equally overwhelming rush to Writing Center: Writing Center was not prepared

27. Multiple Bridges: Weird Topic Librarians http://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesbondsv/3904919485 /

28. Student Input 1 Keep the argumentative paper Make the paper at least 8 pages long Assign 8 sources Begin paper’s annotated outline earlier Cover APA citation earlier/more often http://www.flickr.com/photos/nics_events/2350462608/

29. Student Input 2 Keep the Writing Center tutors involved Keep the FLITE librarians involved – students loved that part Require completion of the Argumentative Paper and all of its components to pass the course http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaymiek/2474089179/

30. Group Presentations & Games Back to the Future (reincarnation) – Monopoly Alien Invaders (build a spaceship) – Trivia Pursuit Ghostland – Candyland Grab an Angel - Monopoly http://www.flickr.com/photos/colemama/3941644833/

33. Student Quote “ Thank you for your teaching. . . .I think you should keep the length of your research paper the same next semester because it has helped me in Eng 150. I have an A in that class thanks to your teaching in reading sources and writing papers.” (Personal communication, December 2009)

34. Faculty–Librarian Bridges Old and New http://www.flickr.com/photos/dwallick/3078130103/in/set-72157606087976205/ Doug Wallick – Filckr 2010

35. Discussion What portions of this collaborative project would work in your setting? What tools and techniques look most helpful for the classrooms you instruct? http://www.flickr.com/photos/bibbit/2123959232/