Transforming Information Literacy Instruction Using Learner-Centered Teaching

Kaplowitz... provides a much needed voice of reason in a very critical point in time for ILI and libraries. Lynn Lampert, Chair of Reference & Instructional Services, Coordinator of Library Instruction & Information Literacy Librarian at California State University, Northridge Do you feel like it s long past time to totally transform information literacy instruction? If so, this indispensible new book by Joan Kaplowitz has everything you need to help you incorporate learner-centered teaching (LCT) into information literacy instruction (ILI), combining important grounding in the discipline with usable instructions and tips. Collaboration, participation, and responsibility are emphasized. You get first-hand information on the transition to learner-centered teaching through Joan Kaplowitz s own experience, as well as real-life examples from instructors in the field who support the learner-centered teaching model. Part One explains how learner-centered teaching works and why it s so effective, offers tips and tricks to listen to, engage with, and inspire your learners, and provides essential background information and resources to paint a well-rounded picture of the learner-centered teaching model. Part Two helps you plan for LCT by covering different methods, like modeling, questioning, and collaborative group work. You ll also gain valuable advice on measuring outcomes, assessment, and selecting the best instructional activities based on those outcomes. Part Three brings everything together by applying LCT to practice, with tips on strengthening the face-to-face learning experience, creating the right environment, and discussing important drawbacks to consider in certain classrooms. An entire chapter is devoted to creating an online learner-centered experience that includes pros and cons, special challenges, designing the online environment to get to most out of LCT, and the key elements for online instruction. Perspectives from school, public, community college, university, and specialty libraries provide best practices from all areas of librarianship.

Joan R. Kaplowitz has a Doctorate in Psychology as well as a Master's in Library Science. She retired in 2007 after 23 years as a librarian at UCLA.