Assignments

Getting Started What is IL
This assignment requires the student to watch a video titled "The five Components-of-Information-Literacy" and answer a set of questions related to the video. The questions cover topics such as understanding the context of authority, the importance of knowing the information creation process, dimensions of value given to information, the concept of true research, the idea of scholarship as a conversation, and the strategic nature of searching- Download the assignment here

 

Begin Working on your Topic
This assignment aims at familiarizing students with their chosen topic and begin building a foundation of knowledge. By exploring both Wikipedia and a formal research tool, students can compare and contrast the information obtained from different sources and assess the reliability and credibility of each. Students are directed to visit the library website and access the electronic resources page. They should explore the Encyclopedias tab to find relevant dictionaries, encyclopedias, and guides related to their topic. Additionally, they are encouraged to utilize online electronic databases that align with their topic and utilize the functionality to organize resources by subject or discipline. Download the assignment here

 

Begin Brainstorming your Research Question
Students are instructed to brainstorm three or four possible research questions related to their chosen topic. They are required to list the questions they have come up with. The purpose of this step is to explore different angles and perspectives that can guide their research. The objective of this assignment is to help students refine their research focus by generating potential research questions and developing an outline that will guide their investigation. By considering different aspects of their topic and outlining key points, students can begin to shape their research direction and ensure a systematic and organized approach to their inquiry.  Download the assignment here

 

Searching for Books
This assignment aims to familiarize students with different search platforms and compare their effectiveness in finding relevant books. It helps students understand the advantages and limitations of library catalogues and online marketplaces like Amazon in the context of academic research. They start by using the Books tab in the Busitema University Library Catalogue to search for relevant books. They need to indicate the search words or word combinations they used and then provide a list of eight books that are pertinent to their research question. The book citations should follow either APA or MLA format, including author, title, place, publisher, and date. The list of citations should be arranged alphabetically by the author's last name Download the assignment here

 

Searching for Articles
Here, students are tasked with searching for articles related to their research question. They begin by visiting the library website and selecting a database that aligns with their topic. They need to provide reasons for choosing the specific database. After selecting the database, students conduct a search related to their research question within that database. They are then instructed to limit their search results using one or more subject headings from the "Limit by Subject" section, following the guidance provided by the librarian in class. Download the assignment here

 

Scientific Research in Popular Sources: Comparing and Contrasting Delivery of Information
In this task, students engage in a think-pair-share activity to compare and contrast popular and scholarly sources. The objective is to help students develop critical thinking skills and understand the information creation process, type of information disseminated, and the contingency of authority and accuracy upon information needs. The activity involves reading a popular article and a scholarly article on the same research topic, completing a worksheet individually and then with a partner, and sharing answers using Google Post-its or a similar platform. students are required to write a 2-page paper reflecting on their experiences in the class throughout the semester. The specific details of the paper will be discussed on the first day of the information literacy class, and the papers will be posted on the class Moodle platform before the official exams begin. Download the assignment here

 

The Sorting Machine
Majorly, the assignment aims at familiarizing students with different types of information materials available in the library, understand their roles in the research process, and develop skills in categorizing and using these materials effectively. students work in groups to visit the library reference desk and engage in a sorting exercise with print materials. The objective is to correctly categorize the materials into different piles based on categories chosen by the group, such as Popular and Scholarly or Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. The exercise serves as a "sorting machine" where students examine each item, discuss their choices, and strive for accuracy and speed. Download the assignment here

 

Sequenced Research Paper in Engineering Drawing
Assignment #4, titled "Sequenced Research Paper in Engineering Drawing," is a series of six tasks designed to help students develop well-reasoned and carefully scoped research papers. The assignments contribute to the development of critical thinking skills by challenging students to analyze engineering drawings, images, or videos of complex engineering concepts throughout history. The tasks build upon one another, culminating in the final research paper. They aim to develop students' critical thinking skills, their ability to analyze images/videos in the engineering profession, and their proficiency in conducting research-based analysis. Download the assignment here

 

Database Searching
This assignment aims at introducing students to various databases in the field of agricultural mechanization and irrigation engineering. The assignment focuses on reviewing and preparing an "elevator speech" or pitch about the best features and content of the selected databases. The elevator speech is a concise and understandable description of an idea, product, or company that can be conveyed in a short period of time. Through this assignment, students are expected to gain familiarity with different databases, develop skills in evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and determine the most suitable database for their research needs in agricultural mechanization and irrigation engineering. Download the assignment here

 

Developing an Interdisciplinary Search Strategy
Assignment #6, titled "Developing an Interdisciplinary Search Strategy," aims to guide students in developing a systematic approach to conducting interdisciplinary research. The assignment consists of defining a topic, brainstorming related questions, and connecting those questions to relevant disciplines and experts to access more research and information. Students will learn how to identify appropriate search tools and information sources using the library's website and online databases. By completing this assignment, students will develop vital skills in structuring their research process, identifying relevant disciplines, and employing appropriate search tools and sources for interdisciplinary research in their field of study. Download the assignment here

 

Research Diary
The research diary serves as a log where students record their steps and thought processes as they conduct research on a specific topic. It provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their research strategies and discoveries. The instructions for the assignment require students to add an entry to the research diary each time they engage in a search session. Each entry should include the date and time of the session, the name of the resources used (such as library research databases and search tools), the search terms employed (keywords, synonyms, related terms, subject tags/descriptors), search strategies utilized (including keywords, search construction, subject tags/descriptors, limiters, cited references, physical browsing). Download the assignment here

 

Pass the Problem
"Pass the Problem," Assignment involves group work and aims at improving critical self-reflection during the research process. Students are required to select appropriate databases for their research topics, brainstorm keywords, evaluate the effectiveness of searching language, and develop a subject bibliography. The assignment consists of three parts: selecting databases, identifying keywords, and finding peer-reviewed journal articles. At the end, students are expected to write a 5–6-page paper reflecting on their experience and how it has enhanced their understanding of developing a subject bibliography. Download the assignment here

 

Learn to use Citation Management Applications – Zotero
The objective of this assignment is to familiarize engineering students with the use of Zotero, a reference management software, to organize their research resources. Students will work in groups and learn how to strategically select databases, brainstorm keywords, evaluate search language effectiveness, and develop a subject bibliography using Zotero. The assignment also encourages students to explore emerging issues from professional sites and websites that are not covered in the course. Instruction materials and a manual for Zotero are available on the library website. Download the assignment here