
| University Library Home » LibGuides @ UIUC Library Home » Guide (http://uiuc.libguides.com/loex) | » Admin Sign In |
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been teaching course-integrated library sessions to English as a Second Language (ESL) graduate students for several years using the traditional lecture method. Recent assessment surveys indicated that the students were not only bored with the material but that they were not understanding many of the concepts due to cultural and language barriers. Since half of the students test out of ESL 500 and all must take ESL 501, there is also the risk of duplicative content. How could these issues be addressed? Taking into consideration the traditional learning style of international students (e.g. lectures, closed stacks) and the new learning environments that American universities employ (e.g. group projects, audience participation, open stacks) the old script was abandoned. New methods for participation include the Cephalonian Method, group activities, online tutorials and games and a dynamic assessment program. In an effort to not only put a friendly face on the library, these pioneering learning strategies will help international students to not only remember the information presented but understand how to find help throughout their academic careers.
The interactive workshop will engage participants on the topic of renewing instruction methods for ESL students (although many of the ideas could be applied in almost any academic library setting) framed by the Cephalonian Method. Previously used for orientation purposes, the Cephalonian Method is a learner-centered technique designed to facilitate learning through capturing the attention of the audience. Using a combination of audience participation, visuals and music, the session will move through four major components:
Upon arrival, each participant will be given 2-4 color-coded index cards containing questions on the above topics. The session leader will call for participants to read their questions in random order by color. A corresponding Power Point presentation will be used to visually illustrate the main points of each question. The informality of this method has a built-in ice breaker while maintaining a fresh and imaginative learning environment. The session will combine ideas from the presenter as well as encourage ideas from the attendees. For example, during the section on innovative instruction segments, the presenter will demonstrate selected online games and tutorials used during the UIUC ESL instruction classes as well as solicit feedback and ideas from attendees.
Active engagement in the classroom is no easy feat for the typical 50 minute session, but by demonstrating how librarians can utilize technology and creativity in a sound pedagogical fashion, we can open our doors to a world that continues to grow smaller.
I am currently the Instructional Services Librarian in Central Reference at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library. My role as instruction coordinator includes designing, teaching and assessing a variety of library instruction geared towards graduate students and faculty including course-integrated sessions for graduate level ESL students and the Savvy Researcher, a drop-in series covering such topics as current awareness, RefWorks, information organizational strategies and much more. I also run new student tours each semester, while maintaining a variety of virtual tours including a new podcast tour in Chinese. A large part of the programming administered by Central Reference is supported by a fabulous group of Graduate Assistants currently making their way through GSLIS. Most recently, I developed a peer-learning program in which the GA's gain instruction experience using a 3-tier model. My research interests include information literacy for graduate students and ESL learners and online learning. In my copious spare time, I like to collect and give talks on the virtues of community cookbooks.
LEARN to Use the Library http://www.library.uiuc.edu/learn/
|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() |
![]() | Print This Page Print Entire Guide |
Loading content... please wait