May-June'15: Information Literacy, Composition Studies and Higher Order Thinking (Library Juice Academy)

May 4 - June 12, 2015

http://libraryjuiceacademy.com/068-IL-composition-studies.php
$250

Writing programs have long been among the most frequent users of library instruction. Similarly, as the information literacy (IL) movement has shifted toward more integrated instructional models, composition programs have arguably been the most commonly involved in efforts at IL integration. The prevalence of such partnerships points to the critical connections between writing, research, and information literacy.

The remarkably parallel histories and concerns of composition and IL instruction, which James Elmborg articulates in the article “Information Literacy and Writing across the Curriculum: Sharing the Vision” (2003), point to powerful ways that composition and rhetoric studies can help inform library instruction programs. Concepts like rhetorical analysis, rhetorical source use, discourse communities, and discursive practices suggest practical ways that IL instruction can emphasize higher order thinking over more mechanical aspects of information seeking. Similarly, research on students’ conceptions of and approaches to “writing with sources” has deep implications for how librarians can teach and represent the research process in order to foster critical thinking and source use.

In this six-week course, participants will explore intersections between information literacy and composition studies, including the theoretical and practical applications these connections have for us as librarians and as educators. The class will be structured around assigned readings, online discussion, and assignments. More specifically, weekly discussions and assignments will invite participants to apply theoretical and pedagogical concepts to developing practical learning activities and lesson plans for library instruction.

This class, first offered in 2013 as a 4-week program, has been expanded to six weeks in order to enable deeper engagement with course materials, assignments, and fellow participants. The expanded course will enable further opportunity for revising learning activities and plans in light of instructor and peer feedback and discussion.

Feb-Mar'15: Ignighting Innovation (Infopeople)

An Infopeople online course, February 17, 2015 to March 16, 2015
https://infopeople.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=457

We know that libraries need to become more innovative in order to survive and thrive in contemporary society. Innovation is about moving from idea to implementation and there are practical skills and techniques that can be learned.  In this course, you will explore:  

•    How to increase your personal capacity for idea generation, creative thinking, and problem solving
•    Your own barriers and preferences regarding innovation
•    Ways to develop ideas and solutions when working in a group 
•    Techniques for crowdsourcing idea generation or problem solving
•    Things you can do to help foster a culture of innovation within your library, even if you are not in a leadership position 

$75 for those in the California library community and Infopeople Partners, $150 for all others.

Jan'15: Fostering Success through Inquiry, Synthesis, and Higher Standards (Booklist)

Tuesday, Jan. 20 (12-1 pm Mountain)

Ensuring students are college- and career-ready in today's world means developing their inquiry-based learning skills, engaging students in higher-level thinking, and developing their ability to argue with evidence. Join Booklist and Scholastic Library Publishing for this free, hour-long webinar where Paige Jaeger, School Library Media Specialist and Educational Administrator, will discuss how implementing strategies to raise the bar can serve to triage the growing challenge around increasing student engagement, achievement, and thought. Discover tangible strategies for encouraging higher-level thought and preparing students for college and beyond. Moderated by Booklist Books for Youth senior editor Ilene Cooper.

For more information and to register for this program, visit:  http://www.booklistonline.com/webinars

May: Promoting Critical Thinking Through Authentic Learning Activities (EasyBib)

Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 AM PDT

The ability to solve problems and think critically is more important than ever, making critical thinking a crucial skill for 21st century students. This presentation covers strategies and best practices for teaching this transferable skill in a way that mimics real-world learning environments. The presenter explores innovative uses of social media and instructional technologies as a vehicle for designing authentic activities that encourage critical thinking in the classroom and beyond.

http://easybib.enterthemeeting.com/m/FAQNER2N?utm_campaign=summer-pd-series&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=12639606&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_ViU1QGhI1rISy04sxoz7yC4dZwOwZB_gSnYc4rpXXYak4Ub9Ks5HxALnjY8-N7TPIkT8u8ukpcEwJiRmJVx6qSd9LQcEMftc-Ex2cFnRFMTJvqGU&_hsmi=12639606

Professor Backfire

A must read.  This article (and the insightful comments to it) speaks volumes about how learning (i.e., what happens in the classroom) is being tarnished by student expectations of teaching style.  Not happy being called on to discuss the material?  Not wanting to work in groups?  This is enough to warrant denial of tenure?!

http://disqus.com/forums/insidehighered/utah_professor_denied_tenure/trackback/

Conspiracy Theories ... Critical Thinking ...

OK, I couldn't help it ... this looks interesting!

Conspiracy Theories in Aerospace History – A Lesson in Critical Thinking for the Internet Age - a free live online conference, Friday, October 28, 2011. There is still time to register for this unique event produced by the National Air and Space Museum.

www.smithsonianconference.org/conspiracy/

Historians and educators from the Museum, and guests from the Department of the Navy and National History Day, will demonstrate critical thinking skills they use to evaluate information.

This online conference runs from 10:45 AM EDT until 4PM EDT and includes a great line-up of activities for teachers and students:

Session 1: Thinking Critically About Amelia Earhart’s Disappearance

The disappearance of Amelia Earhart during her around-the-world flight attempt in July 1937 provides a “teachable moment” about critical thinking and the historical method.

Session 2: Thinking Critically About the Attack on Pearl Harbor

Despite months of warnings and increased hostilities between the two countries, the American forces were caught completely by surprise. How could this have happened? Was it bad luck, incompetence, or a well-executed plan of attack as most historians have agreed, or was it more?

Session 3: Thinking Critically About UFOs

In recent years, debate about UFOs has flourished online and been reflected in American popular culture. Why have these stories of aliens landing in foreign craft on Earth taken hold so strongly?

Session 4: Thinking Critically About the Apollo Moon Landings

Why has questioning of the Moon landings taken place? What does it say about our culture? How might we discern the truth; what critical thinking skills help to understand and assess evidence concerning the Moon landings?

During the conference, you and your students will interact directly with Smithsonian historians and educators. For more information on the conference and registration visit:

www.smithsonianconference.org/conspiracy

There are also free pre-conference activities to prepare for the event at:

www.smithsonianconference.org/conspiracy/pre-conference-activities/