Students told us that online reading list quality and completeness vary significantly by module or subject
Students praised RLs as "essential", "trusted" and "amazing tools" (when curated thoughtfully).
Focus groups revealed there was a correlation between those checking their lists more frequently and lists that were organised more effectively.
Students cited the following as annoying and barriers to using lists
Lack of organisation within lists.
Lack of notes on what part of a text to read or making clear how reading is linked to assignment.
Lack of 'importances'.
Inconsistency erodes student trust and can lead to disengagement
Students call for standardisation and logical grouping. E.g.
Organise by week, topic, or assignment.
Separate essential from optional readings.
Label clearly with descriptive headings or summaries.
Use consistent layouts across modules.
Students told us they value varied, trustworthy content.
Students dislike having to scroll through too many resources and want everything on a list to be relevant.
Some students prefer videos, podcasts, practical tutorials, diagrams, or other media alongside readings. (These can all be added to a Talis reading list!)
Some students mentioned missing or out-of-date content on online reading lists as issues.
Students crave guidance, not just resources.
Students like it when Reading List resources link explicitly to assignments. Notes can be added to a list to guide students.
Always ensure reading importances are set, this helps the Library and helps students know which resources to focus on.
Lists are trusted and give students confidence to pursue their own research – it is a 'springboard'. Consider adding a paragraph to your list that explicitly asks students to conduct further research, with appropriate links to databases or the Library Subject guides.
70% of survey respondents overwhelmingly agreed that RLs helped manage their workload. Student feedback showed us that Online Reading List have the potential to enhance students' wellbeing in the following ways.
Reduce Overwhelm and Decision Fatigue
Online reading lists reduce the "where do I start?" anxiety. Students value knowing they are reading credible, relevant material.
Ease of Access & Time-Saving
It saves time and reduces stress by avoiding the need for students to search for materials across different areas of MyBeckett.
Feeling in Control of Workload
Knowing what to read and when helps students feel in control.
Seeing the full scope of required readings upfront helps reduce anxiety.
Support for Independent Learning
By showcasing a range of high-quality, diverse sources, Online reading lists help students learn how to identify useful academic materials..
A clear idea of where to start their reading, with guidance notes, helps students feel more confident exploring additional sources on their own.
“I find that a lot of my time researching for assignments has been just going through tonnes of chapters that are not really relevant.”
"Lists should be prudent and foster discussion".
“I find learning via book or article challenging and need alternative means of learning - practical/ videos/diagrams etc.”
"They reduce stress by showing exactly what to read. Clear instructions make studying easier and less confusing."
“Amazing tool in helping you do your work efficiently.”
"Being able to see how much I need to get done makes it much easier to process mentally and reduces stress."
