Systematic Searching: A Case of Undergraduate Researchers Developing Information & Data Literacy Skills

As the explosion of COVID-19 studies illustrated, research is being produced at an overwhelming pace and diminishing public trust. This places particular importance on teaching information and data literacy (IDL) skills through curricular and engaged learning settings. This presentation highlights our cross-campus collaboration in developing and executing an evidence synthesis project on critical reflection in higher education, thus offering a model for other institutions to implement within interdisciplinary undergraduate research programs, courses, or other engaged learning opportunities. Participants will leave with an understanding of how evidence synthesis projects can be executed in multiple settings to aid in students’ development of IDL skills while providing them with an opportunity to contribute to original research. We will provide lessons learned to aid others in using the web-based Sysrev platform and in mentoring undergraduate researchers through an evidence synthesis project.