Research Guides: Library Resources for Remote Instruction: Designing Inquiry-based Assessments

Checklist for inquiry assignments

Here are some considerations in developing an independent research assignment.

Provide context
Describe the research-writing-presentation skills you hope students will develop in completing the assignment.
Set learning outcomes
Consider the level of learning suited to the students and to the task and state these for students.
Describe information tools
Discuss the discipline-specific tools you expect students to use. Do they know how to access and use them? What citation style is expected?
Scaffold the process
Split assignment into tasks and give feedback at each stage. Example: find five sources - class sets evaluation criteria for selecting one of the five - analyze a single article.
Track the research process
Have students keep a research journal to record the process. Follow up on student questions and challenges.
Share projects
Provide opportunities to report on product and process such as one-minute summaries, Inquiry@Queen’s, public forum, or debate.
Assess process and product.
Rubrics are helpful especially when they are reviewed before the assignment so students can read descriptions of what is expected across different learning levels.

The inquiry process

Willison and O'Regan (2015) represent the six facets of research in the form of a pentagon, also referred to as a “gem." This visual orients students to the inquiry process and describes the activities associated with each stage. It functions as a conceptual guide during the research process. Embark and Clarify is both starting point and central touchstone throughout the iterative process as learning deepens and evolves.