Problem Based Learning: Researching Music and Dance

Subject Area(s):

• Higher Ed: General

Grade Level(s):

• First Year

Description:

In this lesson a class is divided into groups to do research about the history and wellness benefits to families of music and dance. They must find sources to support a presentation they will give to a skeptical audience. Rather than give the actual presentation, each group will present the sources they found. There will also be concluding discussion to analyze the research process and share knowledge gained.

Goals & Objectives:

• Students will use a variety of information sources.
• Students will refine searches and utilize research strategies.
• Students will locate books in the library and seek staff assistance as appropriate.
• Students will evaluate information sources and appropriately give credit.

Materials:

• Data projector and screen

Procedures:

This assignment is done in the library computer lab.

1.  Distribute the assigment description.

2.  Read over directions and solicit questions.

3.  Do an example search highlighting elements of a research strategy (such as refining a search.)

4.  Do a short evaluation of a search result.

5. Solicit additional questions.

6. Divide the class into groups (or let them pick groups).

7. Generally circulate and answer questions as groups research.

8. Conduct concluding discussion with a focus on research strategies that worked and didn't work and source evaluation.  Have students share the most important thing they learned.  

Assessment:

Assessment will come primarily through concluding discussion and submitted bibliographies.

Supporting Files:

• Problem_Based_Learning_assignment.doc
  

Standards:

ACRL Standards (Higher Education IL Standards)

Accesses needed information effectively and efficiently

• Selects the most appropriate investigative methods or information retrieval systems for accessing the needed information
• Constructs and implements effectively-designed search strategies
• Retrieves information online or in person using a variety of methods
• Refines the search strategy if necessary

Evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system

• Articulates and applies initial criteria for evaluating both the information and its sources
• Validates understanding and interpretation of the information through discourse with other individuals, subject-area experts, and/or practitioners
• Determines whether the initial query should be revised

Uses information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose

• Communicates the product or performance effectively to others

Understands many of the economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information and accesses and uses information ethically and legally

• Acknowledges the use of information sources in communicating the product or performance