How do you use rubrics or other tools to evaluate information literacy assignments or projects?

1 What are rubrics?

Rubrics are scoring guides that describe the criteria and levels of performance for a specific task or outcome. They can help you and your students to understand the expectations, standards, and feedback for an information literacy assignment or project. Rubrics can also help you to grade consistently, objectively, and efficiently. You can create your own rubrics or use existing ones from online sources or professional organizations.

2 How to use rubrics for information literacy?

To use rubrics for information literacy, you need to follow some steps. First, identify the learning outcomes or competencies that you want to assess, such as research question formulation, source selection, citation, analysis, synthesis, or communication. Second, define the levels of achievement or quality for each outcome or competency, such as novice, intermediate, proficient, or advanced. Third, describe the indicators or evidence for each level, such as keywords, relevance, authority, accuracy, currency, purpose, or format. Fourth, apply the rubric to the assignment or project, either as a whole or by components, and assign points or grades accordingly.

3 What are other tools for information literacy?

Rubrics are not the only tools for information literacy evaluation. You can also use other methods, such as portfolios, reflections, peer reviews, self-assessments, checklists, quizzes, or tests. These tools can complement or supplement rubrics, depending on your goals, context, and preferences. For example, portfolios can showcase the process and product of information literacy, reflections can demonstrate the awareness and growth of information literacy, peer reviews can foster the collaboration and feedback of information literacy, and so on.

4 How to choose the best tool for information literacy?

When selecting the best tool for information literacy evaluation, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You need to consider the purpose and scope of the assignment or project, the level and diversity of students or learners, the time and resources available for the evaluation, the alignment and integration of the tool with the curriculum or program, the validity and reliability of the tool, and the feedback and improvement of the tool.

5 How to improve your information literacy skills?

Evaluating information literacy assignments or projects is not only beneficial for your students or learners, but also for yourself. You can use the same tools or methods to assess your own information literacy skills and identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also seek feedback from others, such as colleagues, mentors, librarians, or experts. Moreover, you can engage in continuous learning and professional development activities, such as workshops, webinars, courses, or conferences, that focus on information literacy topics and trends.