If You Build It, Will They Come?Piloting a Multi-Day Collaborative Research Workshop Within a Learning Management System

Robin Chin Roemer & Rebecca GreerUniversity of Washington Libraries

Batter Up!

Does your library offer intensive workshops?● Perceived pros & cons?● Topics and audiences?

5 days, 5 modulesTarget audience: advanced undergrads & early grads Active Learning ComponentsTutor supported

Possible Triads

Big Winners!

1. Defining a Literature Review2. Using Databases / Search Skills3. Organizing Concepts / Resources

Workshop Design

Learning ObjectivesLearning OutcomesActivities

So what happened?

#spoilers

1st workshop● 40 student cap● Email advertisement via all library liaisons● Filled in 3 days (60 person waitlist in 7 days)

2nd workshop!● 60 student cap● Controlled email advertisement + targeted invites

5 modules + introductions forumOverviews, Resources, Activities, DiscussionsConsistent structure and clear labels

Who’s on first? ...Who’s on second?

First Workshop:Undergrad 20%Graduate 45%PhD 27.5%Unknown* 7.5%

*Not declared by studentTotal Enrollment: 40

Second Workshop:Undergrad 11%Graduate 49%PhD 38%Other* 1.5%

*Research AssistantTotal Enrollment: 63

Student Representation by College/School

Student Participation in Module Discussions

# of Student Surveys Completed

What did we learn?

The most useful thing I learned...

1. Organize sources using a matrix2. Create search statements3. Organize Concepts / Resources

Boolean Operators Truncation

4. Develop keywords / Keyword Mapping

Workshop Cons

● Student attrition● Minimal student-to-student interaction● Students desired to create a literature review● Tutors spent more time than expected● Simultaneous tutor posts

Workshop Pros

● Students gained confidence ● Strengthened relationships● Student workload was reasonable● Opportunity to compile detailed data● Collaboration among librarian tutors

...is that the end?

Bottom of the 9th!

Would this workshop model work for your library?● Obstacles or opportunities?● New topics or augmentations?

Thank you!*https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1085540 *https://canvas.uw.edu/courses/1037667

robincr@uw.edurrgreer@uw.edu

*Access restricted. Contact us for snapshots!