The Systematic Review Assignment Makeover: Evidence Synthesis Edition
Location
Logan, UT
Start Date
8-13-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
8-13-2025 12:45 PM
Description
Systematic reviews and other types of evidence synthesis are increasingly emerging as required assignments in undergraduate and graduate curricula. Because rigorous evidence synthesis methods—such as systematic or scoping reviews—require a team-based approach and typically take 8–12 months to complete, it is not feasible for students to conduct a full, methodologically sound review within the constraints of a single semester. Moreover, the range of evidence synthesis types continues to expand, each with its own distinct focus, purpose, and methodological approach. It is increasingly common for reviews to be incorrectly named and for there to be confusion on the differences between these many types. Evidence synthesis is a valuable skill that helps students make evidence-based decisions and critically assess research in their fields. While completing a full review may not be feasible in a single semester, the methodology can still be successfully integrated into courses through assessable, smaller-scale assignments, adapted steps, and time-saving tools—all aligned with instructors' learning goals.
This interactive workshop will help instructors explore different types of evidence synthesis, clarify their related learning goals, and develop feasible assignment ideas that support those goals and set students up for success. Participants will also learn how librarians can help support instructors and students in these endeavors , as well as sharing resources and tools, such as our recent subscription to systematic review software, Covidence. Given clear expectations and support, students can demonstrate their mastery of complex synthesis tasks—and instructors and librarians can work together to provide these opportunities.
The Systematic Review Assignment Makeover: Evidence Synthesis Edition
Logan, UT
Systematic reviews and other types of evidence synthesis are increasingly emerging as required assignments in undergraduate and graduate curricula. Because rigorous evidence synthesis methods—such as systematic or scoping reviews—require a team-based approach and typically take 8–12 months to complete, it is not feasible for students to conduct a full, methodologically sound review within the constraints of a single semester. Moreover, the range of evidence synthesis types continues to expand, each with its own distinct focus, purpose, and methodological approach. It is increasingly common for reviews to be incorrectly named and for there to be confusion on the differences between these many types. Evidence synthesis is a valuable skill that helps students make evidence-based decisions and critically assess research in their fields. While completing a full review may not be feasible in a single semester, the methodology can still be successfully integrated into courses through assessable, smaller-scale assignments, adapted steps, and time-saving tools—all aligned with instructors' learning goals.
This interactive workshop will help instructors explore different types of evidence synthesis, clarify their related learning goals, and develop feasible assignment ideas that support those goals and set students up for success. Participants will also learn how librarians can help support instructors and students in these endeavors , as well as sharing resources and tools, such as our recent subscription to systematic review software, Covidence. Given clear expectations and support, students can demonstrate their mastery of complex synthesis tasks—and instructors and librarians can work together to provide these opportunities.