Type of Presentation
Individual paper/presentation (20 minute presentation)
Target Audience
Higher Education
Location
Room 1005
Abstract
Some of the most important characteristics employers look for in new hires is the ability to solve problems and critically examine information in diverse workplace environments, making critical thinking an important, transferable 21st century skill and a crucial component of lifelong learning. One of academic librarians’ most crucial roles is to challenge students to think beyond their individual circumstances while helping them develop the skills necessary to succeed in college and in their professional lives.
This presentation covers strategies for collaborating with faculty members to design research assignments that focus on critical thinking, including scaffolding and the development of rubrics. The presenter will share examples of authentic, real-world learning activities that she has developed with faculty in several disciplines, including business and health professions. These activities are grounded in traditional information literacy standards including evaluation of information, and are applicable to the new threshold concepts such as scholarship as conversation. These activities allow librarians and instructors to assess students through demonstrated competence of critical thinking and reflection. The presenter will share innovative uses of social media and instructional technologies as a vehicle for designing authentic activities that encourage critical thinking both in the classroom and beyond.
Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on an authentic learning activity that they can take back to their institution.
Presentation Description
Some of the most important characteristics employers look for in new hires is the ability to solve problems and critically examine information in diverse workplace environments. One of academic librarians’ most crucial roles is to challenge students to think beyond their individual circumstances while helping them develop the necessary skills for success in the 21st century. This presentation covers strategies and best practices for teaching critical thinking in both online and face to face environments and explores innovative uses of social media and instructional technologies as a vehicle for designing authentic activities that encourage critical thinking both in the classroom and beyond.
Keywords
information literacy; authentic assessment; critical thinking; lifelong learning; 21st century skills
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Mallon, Melissa N., "Preparing Thoughtful Leaders: Promoting Critical Thinking through Authentic Learning Activities" (2014). Georgia International Conference on Information Literacy. 14.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gaintlit/2014/2014/14
Preparing Thoughtful Leaders: Promoting Critical Thinking through Authentic Learning Activities
Room 1005
Some of the most important characteristics employers look for in new hires is the ability to solve problems and critically examine information in diverse workplace environments, making critical thinking an important, transferable 21st century skill and a crucial component of lifelong learning. One of academic librarians’ most crucial roles is to challenge students to think beyond their individual circumstances while helping them develop the skills necessary to succeed in college and in their professional lives.
This presentation covers strategies for collaborating with faculty members to design research assignments that focus on critical thinking, including scaffolding and the development of rubrics. The presenter will share examples of authentic, real-world learning activities that she has developed with faculty in several disciplines, including business and health professions. These activities are grounded in traditional information literacy standards including evaluation of information, and are applicable to the new threshold concepts such as scholarship as conversation. These activities allow librarians and instructors to assess students through demonstrated competence of critical thinking and reflection. The presenter will share innovative uses of social media and instructional technologies as a vehicle for designing authentic activities that encourage critical thinking both in the classroom and beyond.
Attendees will be encouraged to reflect on an authentic learning activity that they can take back to their institution.
