Engaging Business Students in Online Research and Critical Thinking through Customized Assignments Henri MondscheinInformation SpecialistManager, Information Literacy

California Lutheran UniversityAcademic Business Librarians Exchange Southern CaliforniaOctober 24, 2003

About CLUTotal enrollment: 2,949Undergraduate: 1,891Graduate: 1,058Average class size: 15 studentsStudent/faculty ratio: 15:1

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

Business Student Enrollment

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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

The ChallengesCreate engaging & challenging learning environmentSteer students from Google to subscription databasesDevelop critical thinking skillsEncourage evaluation of information & sourcesFacilitate proper citing of sources

Courses & Goals

Our Approach: Instruction & Assignments to Reinforce LearningManagement literature: - ABI InformCompany profiles, financials: - LexisIndustry & company reports: - Datamonitor & Business InsightIndustry norms: - D&B Key Business Ratios Instruction focuses on advanced database search techniques

Class ExercisesReview criteria for evaluating web informationIntroduce McWhortle.com exerciseStudents work in pairs identifying flaws Volunteers share findings with classStudents select company, analyze web site & compare findingsCompany Website Exercise

Assignment: Analyze a CompanyObjective: Enhance database searching skills

Key productsKey competitorsStock performance Executive biosVision, mission or goalsIndustry trendsAnalyzing an Organization Exercise

Assignment: Analyze a Company Objective: Promote critical thinking skills

Comprehension Describe companys vision, mission or goalsAnalysis - Summarize key initiativesSynthesis - Describe actions to increase market share or outperform competitionEvaluation Explain rationale for selecting specific information sources

Adapted from Blooms Taxonomy of Educational Objectives

Pre-instruction ObservationsSuperficial researchObsolete written sourcesReliance on company websitesLacking objectivityMinimal critical inquiry, analysis, assessment & reflection.

Post-Instruction ObservationsEmbrace database research toolsImproved assignments & papers reflecting use of databases, reputable Web sourcesStudents like convenience of online resources.Improved analytical & synthesis skills Post- Instruction MBA Student Paper

Linking Assignments to ACRL Standards OutcomesStandard 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

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

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)

Partnering with Business Faculty:Creating OpportunitiesInvite yourself to address classesEnlighten your business faculty about your online resourcesReview course goals, content & learning objectivesAssess proposed syllabus & topicsReview previous class assignments -- What can be improved? --Propose an assignmentAlign assignment outcomes to course goals & to ACRL standards

Whats 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. Theres a lot you can accomplish together!