HIST 300: Exploring the Past, Preparing for the Future Tamara F. Smith, M.L.I.S.

HIST 300: Exploring the Past, Preparing for the Future Tamara F. Smith, M.L.I.S. Elizabeth M. Nix, Ph.D. MILEX Conference − October 24, 2008

Founded in 1925 • Returned to four-year status in 2007 • CLA Undergraduates: 1,295 • History majors: 79

300-level: research methods • Required for History majors • Non-majors welcome

Traditional research paper • Too many Web resources • No primary sources • Assessment: students don’t know how to research

There has to be a better way!

http://www.lib.washington.edu/subject/History/perspectives/

2006: Teaching and Learning Initiative Grant (UB) • Series of assignments • Scrapbook/portfolio - no research paper • Use real people • Local people

Pre- and Post-Test • Session 1: Search Strategy (w/graded assignment) • Session 2: Citation • Session 3: Print & Web Resources • Session 4: Maps • Session 5: Archives & Museums • Session 6: Spec. Coll.

Citation Test • 2-part bibliography • Letter/annotated oral history • Images/Maps • Research process essay

What Students Said… “This process was very different from what I was used to. Normally I can find many books on my topic. I enjoy learning about a person not widely talked about, and it was interesting to me to be a researcher and to compile information about a person’s life. I felt like a detective…” (2006)

What Students Said… “This was by far the largest amount of research I’ve ever done on any topic. I have used the research port[sic] before but only looking for individual articles, not a collection. I think this project is helpful for anyone that plans to work in the history field or anyone planning on writing a dissertation. It’s good to be familiar with several different types of research.” (2007)

What Students Said… “This project taught me so much. I learned how to manage my time, be calm (even when you can’t find something), and to think outside the box. It also took me to places I would have never gone, like the library.”(2006) “All in all, this research project was wonderful. I was able to use my newly acquired research techniques in other classesand I know I will continue to use the techniques in the future.” (2007)

Changes Along The Way • Assigned project earlier • More on citation; Turabian book required • Refining list of characters/people for rotation • Consider having students read books as models (A Midwife’s Tale, A Pickpocket’s Tale)

Recommendations - Faculty • Anticipate high level of frustration for students • Plan ahead • Work with the library • Be willing to restructure your course • Be explicit about project requirements • Be prepared to give up control of the project

Recommendations - Librarians • Use your connections • Be willing to take risks • Be organized • Be prepared for roadblocks • Cooperate with other departments and libraries

Questions? http://www.flickr.com/photos/-bast-/349497988/

Thank you! Tamara F. SmithLangsdale Librarytsmith@ubalt.edu IM: langtfs Elizabeth M. Nix Department of Legal, Ethical and Historical Studies enix@ubalt.edu http://langsdale.ubalt.edu/hist300/

HIST 300: Exploring the Past, Preparing for the Future Tamara F. Smith, M.L.I.S.