Design Effective Research Assignments

According to Project Information Literacy, an ongoing large-scale national research project, research findings conclude, “For over three-fourths (84%) of the students surveyed, the most difficult step of the course-related research process was getting started.” A well-designed handout for research assignments can help address this prevalent student need and more! See more findings below.

Tips for Designing Effective Research Assignments

Thoughtful research assignments help students build strong skills, manage their time, and use library resources effectively.

Be Clear & Purposeful

• Tie assignments directly to course learning goals.
• Provide specific requirements: number/types of sources, citation style, project length.
• Share a grading rubric and examples of strong projects.
• Avoid excessive restrictions (e.g., date limits + word counts + format rules).
• Define key terms (e.g., “library databases” vs. “the Internet”) to reduce confusion.

Build in Structure & Variety

• Break projects into smaller steps with timelines and checkpoints.
• Use diverse formats: summaries, annotated bibliographies, article analyses, or creative outputs (infographics, podcasts, e-portfolios).
• Allow flexibility for students to refine or adjust their topics.
• Balance print and online sources—set expectations that reflect current availability.

Partner with the Library

• Consult your Library Liaison to confirm resources and shape assignments.
• Suggest sources that align with student skill levels.
• Incorporate library resources: guides, videos, tutorials, and Canvas modules.
• Provide clear directions to services like MCC Library, Subject Librarians, and 24/7 librarian help.

Support Research Skills

• Introduce the research process (see Research Process Guide, ACRL Framework).
• Show how to evaluate information (CRAAP test, SIFT method).
• Explain differences among scholarly journals, books, magazines, and web sources.
• Reinforce ethical use of information: paraphrasing, quoting, summarizing, and citing (Citation Guide).

Connect Students to Support Services

• Highlight Tutoring, Writing Center, and Tech Support.
• Share your own office hours and contact options (in-person, virtual, email, phone).
• Place course materials on Library Reserve when appropriate.

More Findings

Results from Project Information Literacy showed that the majority of sample handouts for research assignments did not adequately guide students to finding and using information. Some specific findings include:

• “Six in 10 handouts recommended students consult the library shelves - place based source - more than scholarly research databases, the library catalog, the Web, or, for that matter, any other resource.”
• “Only 13% of the handouts suggested consulting a librarian for assistance with research.”
• “Few of the handouts (14%) that directed students to use the library’s online scholarly research databases…specified which database to use by vendor or file name from the hundreds that tend to be available.”
• “Details about plagiarism, if mentioned at all, were scant and tended to emphasize the disciplinary recourse instructors would take against students who were caught in acts of academic dishonesty.”

What Students Say About Research and Writing Assignments

Video from Project Information Literacy