Sara Lowe, Katharine Macy, Bronwen Maxson, Willie Miller, and Sean Stone, University Library
Principal Investigator: Sara Lowe, librarian, University Library
Co-principal Investigators: Katharine Macy, librarian, University Library; Bronwen Maxson, librarian, University Library; Willie Miller, librarian, University Library; and Sean Stone, librarian, School of Dentistry
Project Title: Undergraduate Course to Train Near-Peer Teachers in Subject-Embedded Information Literacy Instruction
Funding Level: $5,000
Abstract:
Information Literacy (IL) (broadly defined as the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically) is a fundamental component of student learning. It is included in the IUPUI Principles of Undergraduate Learning, and is necessary for students both in and outside of the classroom. Currently, Information Literacy at IUPUI is taught by librarians in a subject-embedded manner, where librarians partner with faculty to teach Information Literacy concepts to classes. The limitation of the current model is the ability of a small number of librarians to teach everywhere they are asked to teach.
Peer teaching has been shown to be a powerful and effective way to enhance student learning. This CEG will support (1) research to determine the feasibility of near-peer teaching (where a more experienced student teaches a less experienced student) in Information Literacy and, (2) the development of an upper-level undergraduate course which would train near-peer teachers in IL and pedagogical concepts to then go out and teach these concepts to their peers both in the classroom and via research consultations.