History Research Project

History Research Project

The History Research Project was designed to address the lack of experience with library searching that undergraduate history students demonstrated. Prior to using this learning object, students reported being frustrated at how long it took them to find sources for their research projects. Some students also reported that, despite hours of searching, they were unable to find sources. This learning object teaches students the steps involved in searching for both primary and secondary sources, how to evaluate sources once found, and then how to create an essay outline. Below are some student comments about using this learning object.

"One of the most influential and beneficial parts of this course for me was the History Research Project. While I do feel that the project itself was useful for our tutorial research, the fact that we had to use the library system to look for information located in something other books was very beneficial. Before this term, I had set foot in the library only twice, but now I am very comfortable surfing Trellis and using the online journals."
"One of the best elements of HIST 253 was the History Research Project tutorial on how to search for books and articles at the campus library. Prior to taking this course, I had never had the need to use the library, so it was a relief that my first use came with a tutorial on how to use the library database effectively. The tutorial was not only helpful in teaching me how to use the library's resources, but it also helped me find relevant sources to use in the group presentation. Although I did not have to use the library to the extent that I did in HIST 253 in the other courses I took this term, using the library effectively is definitely a skill that will be transferable and useful in other courses I will be taking in the future."