This is a frequent activity I developed for our second-semester composition program. The common assignment is an annotated bibliography of 8-12 sources. Analyzing student bibliographies showed that they were having a tough time understanding how format can affect the usefulness of an information source, within context. The most frequent problem involved students jumping straight to peer-reviewed scholarship when they could barely articulate their research question. Likewise, students often do not approach research strategically and with an eye towards collecting a range of sources that will help address many common research needs. Since this activity is coupled to an annotated bibliography, a secondary pay-off is in helping students write their annotations. Once able to articulate the information need a source satisfies, they can better conceptualize how to incorporate the information into their paper.

The assignment is delivered as a handout to supplement student's speech/research projects

This activity can be used after or during an introduction to strategic searching in a one-shot instruction session. After presenting the shortened URL on the screen; students independently complete their row in the spreadsheet. The instructor/librarian can help students individually during this time period with their own search topics. The instruction/librarian can display the spreadsheet using projection and use the rows and student work to initiate conversation around various points for example by asking does anyone have an additional keyword they think Student A would want to use? The students can return to the shortened link at any time to view the work they did in class and the spreadsheet can be used for the librarian to assess the session. If not every student has a computer this activity can also be completed in small groups. Variations: Have students work in pairs or small groups with one person's topic. (Especially if not everyone has a laptop) Mix up the questions Have students complete the form as homework for a flipped class session

Variations: 1. The writing instructor interviews the content faculty member in front of the class. 2. Interview two of your professors from different disciplines. Compare and contrast their answers. How are the disciplines similar and how are they different? Discuss the differences in the role of publication and scholarly communication across disciplines. Assessment: Students are asked to listen critically and carefully to their professor’s interview and then write a brief reflective essay/journal entry/writing response. Writing prompt: How are questions and new ideas formulated, introduced, and disseminated your professor’s field? Describe the “typical” research process.