From Standards to the Framework: Using Threshold Concepts to Rethink Instruction

Ericka Raber, University of Iowa LibrariesLeslie Ross, St. Ambrose University

Information Literacy Revisted

“a set of abilities requiring individuals to “recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.”

An information literate person is able to:• Determine the extent of information needed• Access the needed information effectively and efficiently• Evaluate information and its sources critically• Incorporate selected information into one’s knowledge base• Use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information, and access

and use information ethically and legally

Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education, © ALA, 2000

Guidelines

Standards

Frameworks

White Papers

Reports

http://pixabay.com/en/orion-nebula-emission-nebula-11001/

IL Framework: IL Defined

the set of integrated abilities encompassing the reflective discovery of information, the understanding of how information is produced and valued,and the use of information in creating new knowledge and

participating ethically in communities of learning

Information Literacy Framework: Threshold Concepts (Frames)Authority Is Constructed and ContextualInformation Creation as a ProcessInformation Has ValueResearch as InquiryScholarship as ConversationSearching as Strategic Exploration

Obstructed View, Nichole Renee

Knowledge Practices

Dispositions

Context

Desired Changes for Library InstructionOne-shot intros course-integrated curriculum-integratedReactive proactiveProcedural conceptualGraduates undergraduates

StrategiesIdentify needs and common goals in new environmentEngage chairs, program leaders, and instructors in conversationsUse IL Framework to frame discussions

Research as Inquiry

Knowledge PracticesAsk questions. Think Critically. Evaluate information.

DispositionsAppreciate complexity. Keep an open mind. Be curious.

Where do these fit into the curriculum?

UI Dept. of Teaching & Learning

“...preparing today's teachers for tomorrow's schools.”

Intersections with Curriculum

Elementary Education RequirementsCourses

UI Teaching Standards

Technology in the Classroom

Information Literacy Frames

Technology in the Classroom

Questions for Instructors

• What do you see as gaps in the students’ abilities, skills related to information or research?

• Where in your course do students have opportunities to practice these skills?

Group Inquiry Project

Sample TopicCopyright & Ethics What copyright laws affect teachers and students? What are the implications and possible consequences? What is intellectual property and fair use? What is the “fair use” exception? What is “public domain?” What are we – as teachers – allowed to use in our classrooms? Give recommendations for teachers and students on how they can work within the law. What can teachers do to curb cheating and plagiarism from term paper sellers, study guides such as SparkNotes, and inaccurate information from web sites and wikis? What do you think should be done to students who violate copyright or ethical principles? From what you have seen or experienced what can teachers do to curb these types of violations?

Moving Forward

• Continue to discuss student learning objectives• Rework existing assignments to include:• Scaffolding of skills (ensuring practice and success)• Guided instruction• Demonstration of knowledge practices

• Return to chair and program coordinators to discuss:• Successes• More intentional curriculum-integrated IL instruction

• “The rapidly changing higher education environment, along with the dynamic and often uncertain information ecosystem in which all of us work and live, require new attention to be focused on foundational ideas about that ecosystem.”

• Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education (2015, February) http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframework

What are we teaching?

What are students learning?

How are students learning? (process and influences)

Information Literacy 101

• Welcome! Information literacy is a set of abilities requiring individuals to "recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information.“• Welcome! Information literacy is a spectrum of abilities, practices,

and habits of mind that extends and deepens learning through engagement with the information ecosystem.

Moving Forward

• Begin a conversation as a department and keep talking!

• Formalize our conversation with faculty and administrators

References

ACRL. (2000) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/informationliteracycompetencyACRL. (2014) Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. http://www.ala.org/acrl/standards/ilframeworkBooth, C. & Mathews, B. (2012). Understanding the Learner Experience: Threshold Concepts and Curriculum

Mapping. CARL Conference 2012, San Diego, CA. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o6BsJ1BwfiQ Farkas, M. (2014) Getting into the gray areas with the draft Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/2014/03/03/getting-into-the-gray-areas-with-the-draft-framework-for-information-literacy-for-higher-education/Hovius, A. (2015) Alignment Charts for ACRL Standards and Proposed Framework.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wt5a2pYqblapfnSZoBBdo28EAgukUXbV0kdL5nSZ5UI/edit