Reflective journaling in information literacy courses

Abstract

In order to meet the challenges of the shifting landscape in which information is disseminated it is crucial that students learn knowledge seeking behaviors that include constructing complex searches, evaluating information, and reflecting on the research practice. In order for students to develop critical thinking skills, academic librarians must position themselves as guides throughout this process. In online and in-person environments librarians may employ reflective practice and reflective journal writing as a means for deeper engagement. In-person, it is possible to begin conversations in the classroom that will stimulate reflective thinking. This paper presents a summary of reflective journaling used in several one-credit online information literacy courses as a method for achieving deeper engagement while ensuring students are acquiring information literacy skills.