When we talk about research, what do we mean?  "Research" to a Ph.D. candidate is much different than "research" to a newly enrolled PG student taking CM107.  Especially at the undergraduate level, "research" is often being used as a synonym for "information literacy."  

According to the AACU, information literacy is "the ability to know when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for the problem at hand."  Creating a research assignment for your course allows your students to practice these information literacy skills, which have many real-world applications and are vital for making evidence-based decisions in the workplace.  

By reviewing this guide, you will:

• Be able to describe what information literacy is and why it is crucial to teach across the curriculum.
• Be familiar with national and university information literacy standards, concepts, and rubrics.
• Locate sources with examples and inspiration for assignment activities.
• Locate videos and other instructional materials to help students successfully develop information literacy skills and complete research assignments.