Introduction to Database Searching Lesson Plan

INTENDED AUDIENCE
This lesson is for undergraduate freshman. The students have basic computer literacy and Internet searching skills. However, database searching may be an unfamiliar concept. This lesson will instruct the students on basic database searching, using a familiar platform, Google.

GOALS
The goal of this lesson is to teach undergraduate freshman the difference between a free search engine and a scholarly database. Upon completion of the lesson, students should be able to search a scholarly database and critically evaluate information.

OBJECTIVES
Upon conclusion of the lesson: Students will be able to search for articles on Google scholar. Students will be able to compare Google scholar search results to Google search results. Students will be able to use operators in their searches. Students will evaluate information. Students will decide which search results are best for their purpose.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES

As a result of attending this course: Students will search a database, Google Scholar, to find articles. Students will compare a scholarly database search to a free search engine search, to find relevant information. Students will be able to use operators in searches. Students will evaluate information to assess its accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. Students will be able to select the appropriate search tool for their information needs. Students will be able to select the appropriate search tool to accomplish a specific purpose.

STUDENT ASSESSMENT

Lisa West

LIS 764 Lesson Plan 2 Database

Introduction to Database Searching Lesson Plan Evaluate students as the course progresses. Monitor the students to ensure each student can perform each objective independently. Fill out a Student Assessment Form for each student.

LEARNING STANDARDS ADDRESSED

The ACRL learning standards that addressed in this lesson plan are: 1. 2. 3. 4. The student determines the nature and extent of the information needed. The student accesses needed information effectively and efficiently. The student evaluates information and its sources. The student uses information to accomplish a specific purpose.

LESSON TIME
The lesson is scheduled for 15-20 minutes. The time may vary, depending on the class size and skill level of the students. This lesson is designed to accommodate up to 25 students taught by one instructor. This lesson is taught hands-on, with a computer for each student.

MATERIALS NEEDED
Introduction to Database Searching lesson plan Introduction to Database PowerPoint Introduction to Database Student Handout One Student Assessment Form per participant One Workshop Survey form per participant One computer per student

INTRODUCTION
[PP1] Please cater the lesson plan to fit the students. This lesson may be taught formally or informally, as long as the objectives are met. The lesson plan does not need to be read verbatim. Hello. Welcome to the Introduction to Database class. My name is ________. Anytime you have questions, please let me know. If you have any questions after the class, please call or email me at the library. Ensure all students computers are on http://scholar.google.com/.

Lisa West

LIS 764 Lesson Plan 2 Database

Introduction to Database Searching Lesson Plan

[PP2] A library database is a collection of indexed articles. These often consist of articles from journals, books, and newspapers. The database contains title, author, publication, publisher, and date of publication information. Some databases provide abstracts, or summaries, and others provide full text, or the entire article. They can be a great way to acquire accurate research information. Databases can be searched. They are organized alphabetically or by subject. Some databases are more intuitive than others. It can be challenging to find the information you need in a database, until you become familiar with databases and database searching.

[PP3] Today we will learn how to search a database, using a familiar platform, Google, specifically, Google Scholar. You will learn how to: search for articles on Google scholar. compare Google scholar search results to Google search results. use operators (see your worksheet) in your searches. evaluate information by checking for accuracy, authority, objectivity, currency, and coverage. decide which results are best for your purpose.

[PP4]

Have students sign in and click on Settings If you havent already done so, please sign into your Gmail account. Then click on settings, in the top right corner. [PP5] Have students click on Library Links. In the top left corner, click on library links. [PP6]

Lisa West

LIS 764 Lesson Plan 2 Database

Introduction to Database Searching Lesson Plan Have students add the universitys name, check the boxes, and save. If there are problems, the student may need to enable cookies on their browser. Type the universitys name in the search box. Click on Open WorldCat and Dominican University. Then click on save. This will allow you to see which items you find in your searches are available at this university. If you have not already done so, pass out the in-class worksheet. Divide students into small groups, to work on the worksheet. Search Obama Care with the students. Begin the search as a simple Google search. Continue with a Google Scholar search. Search both using operators. Lets begin searching with Obama Care, the first search on the worksheet. Search Obama Care on Google, review/evaluate results Search Obama Care using the - operator, OR operator, intitle: operator, and a phrase search Obama Care Search Obama Care on Google Scholar, review/evaluate results Notice articles available on the right Search Obama Care using the - operator, OR operator, intitle: operator, and a phrase search Obama Care

Have students to continue the remaining searches on the worksheet. Continue to work on the searches on the worksheet in your groups. Dont forget to evaluate your results. Let me know if you need any help. Review worksheet results with the students. Some Google Scholar extras include the ability to sign up for alerts related to your searches. If you are an author, you can be notified when your papers are cited. Google Scholar also accepts questions and comments. Google metrics, on the top right of the Google Scholar home page, shows the top articles in different disciplines.

Thank the students for their participation and encourage them to complete the survey. It can be turned in to you, the circulation desk, or mailed to the library. Encourage the students, again, to call or email if they have any questions, later.

Lisa West

LIS 764 Lesson Plan 2 Database