Student-to-Student: A+ Research Program

The Libraries' A+ Research Student-to-Student Program is inviting groups to request presentations designed to help students overcome their difficulties in the research process. More than 370 students attended such presentations Fall Quarter 2011.  Click here to fill out a request form.  Then one of our program directors will contact you to plan the event to meet your needs. 

You are also welcome to attend one of our already scheduled presentations.  To see a list of those currently scheduled, click here.

Program Description:
We provide engaging 45-minute presentations on the research process in a variety of settings around campus. Our A+ Research presentations are powerful ways to help student researchers because of an ingenious combination of content, presenter, and the informal settings in which they are often delivered.

• Content:  
  The presentations reflect what was learned by the nationwide 2010 Project Information Literacy study, which examined students' research methods and what they struggle with as they complete research projects for their courses. Consequently, our presentations build on what students already know and then help them overcome particular trouble spots, including those identified by OSU respondents in the study.
• Presenter:  
  The presenations are developed and delivered by a Libraries-trained undergraduate student who is a talented and experienced presenter. Students benefit from the opportunity to learn from one of their own, in language they can understand. As with many peer learning situations, some students find inspiration and validation from a new role model.
• Settings:  
  Our presentations are often delivered in informal settings, such as dorms, so that students can learn on their own turf, where they are most comfortable.  Of course, more formal settings can also be used. You tell us what meets your needs.
• What our presentations are not:  
  Although students can use everything they learn at our presentations while they conduct their undergraduate research at Ohio State, these presentations are not connected with the Undergraduate Research Office and are not the site for students to connect with faculty members.

Available Presentations:

• A+ Research: Where Do You Start?
  Steps to creating a successful research project; using Google and Wikipedia to arrive at an acceptable topic and find scholarly resources; how the OSU Libraries can help with your project.
• A+ Research: How Do You Find Resources?
  Tools to locate exactly what you need; how to consider content, coverage, and currency to evaluate resources.
• A+ Research: From Average to A+:
  What you can do to turn your average project into an excellent one.

Presentations Under Construction:

• A+ Research: Which Resources Are the Right Ones for Your Project?
  Critical thinking skills that help you decide which resources to use when.
• A+ Research: Structuring Your Term Paper
  This is the presentation students have most often requested.
• A+ Research: Save Time by Using Databases Effectively
  What makes all the difference when using databases.

Some Evaluation Results and Comments about our Presentations:
89% of the students in our audiences agreed with the statement, "Overall, the presentation was helpful to me."

"Everything I wanted to know was covered."  "Extremely helpful."  "It was Phenomenal!"  "She did a great job - I understood everything and it was useful information."  "Clear thoughts, no confusion."  "GREAT!"

Program Directors:

Cheryl Lowry
Lowry.92@osu.edu

Fred Roecker
Roecker.1@osu.edu