Contextualising information literacyUsing existing assignments and coursework to support student learning

Erika Delbecque, Liaison Librarian for Pharmacy and Mathematics, University of Reading

Context• Two day skills workshop for Pharmacy first year students in

the Summer Term• Collaboration between the Library, Study Advice, the

International Study and Language Centre, and the School of Pharmacy

• Schedule: Information retrieval lecture (1 hr)Academic writing lecture (1 hr)Writing, citing and referencing workshop (2 hrs)

Aims• Encourage deep learning through active participation• Increase relevancy• Develop a consistent approach

How?• All activities rooted in the use of an existing assignment brief

How?• Break up the lecture format through inclusion of activities

How?

How?

Feedback

Feedback• “Very helpful and I feel my grades will improve because of

today”• “Concise yet gave us enough information to feel confident

with doing research in the future. It didn't drag...it wasn't boring! :)”

Tips• Capture students’ attention through using assignment briefs

and previous student coursework• Liaise closely with lecturers• Collaborate with other study skills experts• Activities: provide clear instructions and timings