ASSESSING THE CONFIDENCE AND SKILL LEVELS OF GOOGLE SEARCHERS THROUGH AFFECTIVE OUTCOMES By

One-shot library instruction presents a limited time frame for accomplishing complex learning goals. A successful session must motivate students by appealing to their affective domain. To collect data on the affective outcomes of a one-shot library instruction class on “Googling ” and web evaluation, an assessment was made on student perceptions of their search skills and the value they put on evaluating search results on the web. Pre-assessment and post-assessment ratings tables as well as an exit evaluation form containing ratings charts and open-ended questions were compiled into an exit survey. The survey was filled out immediately after instruction while feelings were close to the surface. The assessment was fruitful in pointing out areas where learners perceived an improvement in their learning and whether they were able to integrate the goals of evaluating search results into their knowledge base. Especially valuable was the dissatisfaction revealed by almost half of t he respondents, who expected more coverage of searching with advanced features, or, to quote one respondent, “more smart searches.