Mod 4
Models for Teaching Information Literacy
Description
In this module, you’ll learn about common topics that are addressed as part of information literacy instruction as well as models for teaching those topics. You’ll also learn how the advent of the Framework has opened the door to creating new models of information literacy instruction that center on concept-based thinking rather than skills-based instruction.
By the end of this module, you'll be able to:
- Describe common topics associated with information literacy instruction
- Identify the advantages and disadvantages of common models of information literacy instruction
- Explain potential changes to information literacy instruction brought on by the Framework
- Choose appropriate topics and models for information literacy instruction based on context
Video 1: Introduction
Now that you know a little bit about what information literacy is and how it's developed over the years, it's time to start to think about how you would teach it.
Video 2: Student Learning
How proficient are students when it comes to information literacy abilities?
Optional Reflection
Choose a knowledge practice from any of the frames in the Framework which you feel is especially important for a research task you are familiar with (either one you have created, know about, or may have completed yourself).
On a scale of 1-10, rate how proficient you think students typically are with each of these abilities prior to receiving instruction from you
Now, with the same set of abilities, rate on a scale of 1-10 how proficient you would like students to be as a result of your teaching
Brainstorm a list of ideas for how students might achieve the level of proficiency you have set for them, including topics and skills that might be relevant.
Video 3: Common Information Literacy Instruction Topics
Expanding information literacy instruction beyond basic skills is a good way to overcome common barriers to student learning related to these ideas.
Optional Reflection
Take a look at the frames from the Framework. Choose one that interests you or you think is especially relevant/important and describe a lesson you could teach or a project you could create that is informed by the frame in some way.
Video 4: Models for Teaching Information Literacy
There are a number of ways information literacy instruction can be delivered, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here, we’ll take a look at a few that are likely to be most common.
Credit Activity
Complete the following activity and submit your work for review to earn credit toward your course badge.
Learner Profile
- Describe/imagine a typical learner in your teaching situation.
- What information literacy abilities and concepts has this person likely already mastered?
- What does this person want to be able to do as a result of your information literacy-related teaching?
- How will they have changed as a result of your information literacy instruction? How will you know that they have changed in this way?
- What format of instruction would be most effective in achieving these goals (i.e. a credit-bearing information literacy course, a course-related instruction session, an online tutorial, something else)?