Teaching computer science graduate students scholarly literature review techniques

Abstract

Most today's students are comfortable and proficient in searching information using network-based electronic tools. Yet, our experience led us to believe that the majority of these students lacked the skills to effectively use the library to perform independent literature searches, correctly estimate the credibility of different information sources, or properly write scholarly literature reviews. To address this problem, we attempted to teach scholarly literature review (SLR) techniques as part of a Computer Science graduate course. Our preliminary results showed that with a few carefully designed SLR modules and assignments, CS graduate students could quickly and effectively learn to use proper literature review techniques in their research projects. The improvement in student learning was obvious, while the amount of class time spent on the SLR activities led by the librarian instructor was modest. © 2006 IEEE.