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Using journal article annotations with Zotero to improve scientific literacy in course-based undergraduate research
Samuel H Neely1,2, Héctor G Loyola Irizarry1,2,3, Melissa McCartney4
1Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA.
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
|April 22, 2026
Summary
Journal Article Annotations with Zotero (JAAZ) enhances undergraduate life science students' critical engagement with research articles and reference management skills. This activity improves confidence in navigating scientific literature and managing references for research writing.
Area of Science:
- Life Sciences Education
- Bioinformatics
- Scientific Literacy
Background:
- Undergraduate life science students require critical engagement skills for research articles.
- Proficiency in reference management is essential for scientific writing.
- Developing effective strategies for literature review is crucial for bioinformatics research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce an activity, Journal Article Annotations with Zotero (JAAZ), to enhance undergraduate life science students' skills.
- To improve students' ability to critically engage with scientific literature.
- To build proficiency in using reference management software, specifically Zotero.
Main Methods:
- Students independently annotate journal articles using Zotero, defining terms and identifying key points.
- Students collaborate in reading groups to discuss annotations and create a consensus group-annotated version.
- The JAAZ activity involves a structured, multi-part assignment focused on active literature engagement.
Main Results:
- The JAAZ activity increases students' confidence in navigating scientific literature.
- Students demonstrate improved comprehension and ability to engage with more articles efficiently.
- The collaborative annotation process makes research articles more accessible and understandable.
Conclusions:
- JAAZ effectively equips undergraduate life science students with essential skills for critical literature evaluation.
- The activity fosters greater confidence and competence in reference management for research writing.
- JAAZ promotes enhanced scientific literacy and accessibility of research articles for students.
Keywords:
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