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59 - Card sorting

from Activities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 June 2018

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Summary

A set of blank cards can be a simple yet effective teaching tool. Many learners struggle with how to think of appropriate keywords and construct search strategies using synonyms and related words – this technique can help.

First, ask your learners to identify a search topic. Then, ask them to use the cards to note words that relate to that topic – use a single card per topic. Ask them to think about as many alternative words as possible. After ten minutes or so, stop and run a feedback session – you can then review the cards and reflect on the use of language and synonyms. Ask the learners for alternative words at this point.

Once the group has amassed a collection of words, ask them to start grouping the words into related concepts. The search terms can then be reviewed to discuss which would be the more effective words, and which would work best in a search engine or structured bibliographic database. Explain how to combine the different concepts.

✓ BEST FOR

  • • developing an understanding of how to break down a search

  • • choosing appropriate keywords.

  • + MORE

  • • Extend the activity by including how words from the different groups or concepts can be combined, using, for example, Boolean operators. Consider using the Building blocks technique.

  • : WATCH OUT

  • • Keep this activity simple. It could become complicated and end up discouraging your learners from a more structured approach to searching (‘What's the point of this? I can just put a couple of words into Google and it works!’). Be prepared with a few examples of how appropriate word choice makes for a more effective search. You may need to think quite carefully about the subjects/topic areas with which you are working, and make sure that this approach will guarantee better research outcomes.

  • Type
    Chapter
    Information
    A Guide to Teaching Information Literacy
    101 Practical Tips
    , pp. 160 - 161
    Publisher: Facet
    Print publication year: 2011

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