Favorite Session: Can Library Instruction Be Fun, Yet Effective?

Presenters were Crystal Goldman, Dale Larsen, and Adriana Parker of Marriott Library at the University of Utah. (I had met Dale and Adriana during my sabbatical) They teach an extraordinary number of sessions, up to 45 in a two week period...

Basically they were talking about two active learning methods, Cephalonian and Jigsaw. In summation the Jigsaw method is about small group work and having the groups present on the discovery of the database they were asked to analyze. This works best with large classes 20+ with enough time.

What really hooked me on this workshop was the Cephalonian method. They used the method to teach us the method. It involves a set of colored index cards which are passed out to the audience. (An audience member suggested that shapes could be used instead. Also it was noted that the color of the card should be placed on the card for those who may be color blind.) Each card has a question on it that will be asked when a color card is asked for. The questions are put together by the teacher who then creates a corresponding powerpoint that answers the questions.

BIG TIP: To go to a specific slide in powerpoint, type in the number and press enter. This will pop open the slide you want seamlessly. This is really nifty and makes the teacher look like a mind reader.

For more information on the Cephalonian method check out the article in Wikipeda. Or rather, check out the references at the bottom! Nigel Morgan is one of the originators of this very interactive active learning method.

The other really excellent part of the powerpoint was the pictures of a hired actor who portrayed various patron stereotypes including sleeping student, typhoid patron, and inappropriate viewing guy...

The presenters were entertaining, interactive and managed to keep this last session of the day well worth attending.

ILA: Active Learning Potions for Information Literacy

Presentation by Spencer Jardine

This was a great presentation to end the conference with. Spencer had us interacting with each other and him. His handout lists 14 different activities that can be integrated into bibliographic instruction.
1. Listening teams
2. Groups applying the CRAAP test
3. Visual quiz
4. Quick/pop quiz
5. Demonstrations aka demos
6. Worksheets
7. Citation assignment
8. Lecture
9. Think-pair-share
10. Analogies & stories
11. Object lessons
12. Identify the term
13. Jeopardy review
14. Student blogs

Some of these he demonstrated, or rather used us to demonstrate. Unfortunately time ran out and we didn't get to discuss all of them. I really liked the way this session became truly participatory. I guess that says something about active learning techniques.

Jenny