Why I Teach Information Literacy: Information literacy is important to college students, both for academic success and workplace productivity as global citizens. Students must learn to recognize when information is needed, to determine the appropriateness of resources, and acquire the ability to locate, evaluate, and use the needed information effectively and ethically.
Elements of Good Information Literacy Instruction: · Strong instructor knowledge and enthusiasm. · Clear, measurable objectives that meet ACRL standards. · Engaging; content relates to students’ lives, interests and coursework. · Supportive environment that includes rapport established with class, frequent positive feedback and skill modeling. · Variety of activities such as lecture, group activities, individual work, discussions and practice. · Assessed for effectiveness.
Effective Learning Skills are taught in such a way that they are transferable to real life situations. Utilize scaffolding of skill sets and practical applications.
Technology in the Classroom Technology should be used in the classroom only when it enhances teaching and learning. It is important to avoid introducing technologies just for the sake of using a new tool. In many cases, traditional teaching methods are more effective. It is also important to consider the various learning styles, skill sets, and levels of comfort with technology that might be present in your classroom.
My Teaching Style My teaching style incorporates several models: · Expert, with a display of my knowledge · Formal, with a focus on clear expectations · Personal, with the modeling of skills · Facilitator, with the enhancing instruction through questioning, exploration and encouragement · Delegator, with the providing of continued services as a resource person
Expectations for Students At the very minimum, that after instruction they see the library and librarians as welcoming and more than happy to work with students in a consultative manner. In some cases, knowing that a librarian is available to assist and that the library is here to support student research needs is instrumental to their college experience.
What Students Can Expect From Me · Caring and safe classroom environment · Support of academic success through expert information literacy instruction · Individual attention and continued contact
Teaching & Learning Strategies I base instruction on topics that are relevant to students such as interests, coursework, current news and popular culture. Sessions content is delivered using best practices in education. I connect instruction to and show respect for student experiences through varied teaching strategies. Considerations include student age, learning style ( verbal, visual and sensory), culture (visible and invisible), gender, disabilities, etc.