Research & Instruction Librarian Midwestern University Downers Grove, Illinois
Background: Citation management instruction for biomedical, physical therapy, and physician assistant students occurs during their first year to prepare them for research projects spanning multiple quarters. These cohorts include 30, 60, and 80 students, respectively. Students arrive to their EndNote class with little knowledge of their programs’ preferred citation style, varying levels of computer proficiency, and utilizing a variety of computers, operating systems, browsers, and word processers. To meet these unique challenges, librarians utilized a flipped classroom model, demonstration with dedicated workshop time, and a variety of technologies to facilitate student interaction with the software.
Description: Before class, librarians post an overview video, account set up, and software download instructions in the students’ learning management system. Time is allotted before class for technology troubleshooting. In the classroom, librarians discuss the importance of citing sources, basic EndNote instruction, and citation style specifics. Students practice pulling and editing references in Physiological Review or AMA citation style. Librarians assess student progress and provide supplemental documentation and videos using Google Sheets and Padlet.
Conclusion: The idiosyncratic procedures of citation management, large cohorts, and dissimilarities in devices present teaching librarians with a challenge to make learning active and meaningful. Using discussed strategies, students appeared less frustrated and disengaged than in previous years. Verbal feedback from faculty was positive for the new pedagogical approach.
.png)
