engaging business students in online research and critical thinking through customized assignments

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Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments Henri Mondschein Information Specialist Manager, Information Literacy California Lutheran University Academic Business Librarians Exchange Southern California October 24, 2003

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Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments . Henri Mondschein Information Specialist Manager, Information Literacy California Lutheran University. Academic Business Librarians Exchange Southern California October 24, 2003. About CLU. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through

Customized Assignments

Henri MondscheinInformation SpecialistManager, Information Literacy

California Lutheran University

Academic Business Librarians Exchange Southern California

October 24, 2003

Page 2: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

About CLU

Total enrollment: 2,949 Undergraduate: 1,891 Graduate: 1,058 Average class size: 15

students Student/faculty ratio: 15:1

California Lutheran University is a diverse, scholarly community dedicated to excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies.

Page 3: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Business Student Enrollment

Undergraduate38746%ADEP

18021%

MBA28433%

Page 4: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Business Education at CLU

MBA professional tracks: – Finance – Information Technology

Management – Management &

Organizational Behavior – Marketing

MBA in Financial Planning & Financial Planning Certificate

One Year International MBA Post MBA Certificate Series

Program

Page 5: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

The Challenges

Create engaging & challenging learning environment

Steer students from Google to subscription databases

Develop critical thinking skills Encourage evaluation of

information & sources Facilitate proper citing of sources

Page 6: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Courses & Goals

Courses GoalsStrategic managementOrganization theory

Assess company strategic capabilitiesCompare capabilities with industry rivalsBenchmark firm strengths against industry averages (e.g ratios)

Page 7: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Our Approach: Instruction & Assignments to Reinforce Learning

Management literature: - ABI Inform Company profiles, financials: - Lexis Industry & company reports: - Datamonitor

& Business Insight Industry norms: - D&B Key Business

Ratios

Instruction focuses on advanced database search techniques

Page 8: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Class Exercises

Review criteria for evaluating web information

Introduce McWhortle.com exercise

Students work in pairs identifying flaws

Volunteers share findings with class

Students select company, analyze web site & compare findingsCompany Website Exercise

Page 9: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Assignment: Analyze a Company

Objective: Enhance database searching skills

Key products Key competitors Stock performance Executive bios Vision, mission or goals Industry trends

Analyzing an Organization Exercise

Page 10: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Assignment: Analyze a Company

Objective: Promote critical thinking skills

Comprehension – Describe company’s vision, mission or goals

Analysis - Summarize key initiatives Synthesis - Describe actions to increase

market share or outperform competition Evaluation – Explain rationale for

selecting specific information sources

Adapted from Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives

Page 11: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Pre-instruction Observations

Superficial research Obsolete written

sources Reliance on company

websites Lacking objectivity Minimal critical inquiry,

analysis, assessment & reflection.

Page 12: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Post-Instruction Observations

Embrace database research tools

Improved assignments & papers reflecting use of databases, reputable Web sources

Students like convenience of online resources.

Improved analytical & synthesis skills Post- Instruction MBA Student Paper

Page 13: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Linking Assignments to ACRL Standards Outcomes

Standard 1: The information literate student determines the nature and extent of the information needed.

Outcomes--Define information need --Determine most appropriate databases --Identify value & differences of sources

Page 14: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Linking Assignments to ACRL Standards Outcomes (cont.)

Standard 2: The information literate student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently.

Outcomes --Develop a research plan

--Select appropriate keywords, descriptors--Construct search strategy

Page 15: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Linking Assignments to ACRL Standards Outcomes (cont.)

Standard 3: The information literate student evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system.

Outcomes--Examines & compares information from various sources (Compare databases vs. WWW)--Draws conclusions based upon information gathered (Summarize key strategic initiatives) --Integrates new information with previous information or knowledge (Synthesize research)

Page 16: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

Partnering with Business Faculty:Creating Opportunities

Invite yourself to address classes Enlighten your business faculty

about your online resources Review course goals, content &

learning objectives Assess proposed syllabus &

topics Review previous class

assignments -- What can be improved? --Propose an assignment

Align assignment outcomes to course goals & to ACRL standards

Page 17: Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments

What’s Your Idea?

Take the first step to engage business students in enhancing their business research and critical thinking skills. Partner with your business faculty and share your ideas. There’s a lot you can accomplish together!