Author’s Authenticity

Worksheet Description

The “Author’s Credibility” worksheet is designed to guide students through a thorough evaluation of an author’s qualifications and the authenticity of their work.

The worksheet provides a clear and organized format for students to document and assess the educational background, credentials, and work experience of an author, as well as their expertise and knowledge of the topic at hand. It prompts students to examine the publisher’s reputation, the rigor of the publication process, any potential biases due to organizational affiliations, and whether the author has provided citations for their sources. Furthermore, it encourages students to discern whether the material is considered popular or scholarly.

This critical examination is vital in developing students’ information literacy skills. By filling out the worksheet, students learn to make informed decisions about the reliability of the information they are using for research or study.

The final question, asking if they think the author is credible and why, serves as a summary of their analysis, allowing them to articulate their judgment based on the evidence they have gathered. This reflective practice is essential for fostering a critical mindset and ensuring that students can justify their research choices, a key skill in academic scholarship and beyond.