As direct assessment methods gain increasing attention in higher education, this presentation will introduce quick writes as an engaging authentic assessment technique for capturing evidence of learning and measuring information literacy student learning outcomes Quick writes are commonly used in middle school and high school classes. Students are given a short passage and assigned to quickly write a response about the passage. The presenter has adapted the quick write technique and applied it to information literacy assessment. In this context, the prompt is based on a real-world scenario, course topic or assignment. The librarian introduces the quick write as a research activity to reinforce concepts and skills presented during the session. Students work independently and complete the task in 15 minutes. Quick writes embrace problem-based learning and inquiry-based learning pedagogies. They can be designed to encourage the application of higher order thinking skills such as situational competence, essential for problem-solving in real-world situations. The presentation will accentuate how direct assessment techniques such as quick writes empower students to demonstrate knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, especially as these relate to information literacy. The presenter will highlight how California Lutheran University implemented the quick write in its information literacy instruction plan and will share practical ways to design quick writes and scoring rubrics around lesson plans and learning outcomes. Examples will emphasize the new ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. Participants will work in small groups and create a quick write and scoring rubric. Participants will be encouraged to share their quick writes and rubrics and briefly discuss how these can be used in courses or information literacy sessions. After completion of this workshop, attendees will be able to describe the steps involved in planning, designing, and incorporating a quick write and rubric in a 50-minute information literacy session.
