Adventures of an instructional librarian
Reflecting on teaching NVivo to graduate students, a task filled with challenges and revelations. Discover how laying a solid foundation in NVivo’s complexities is crucial for success in qualitative analysis. Join me as I delve into the importance of strong pedagogical approaches and the plans to revolutionize NVivo education, ensuring students are well-equipped for their research endeavors.
In the “Summarizing the lessons of my teaching philosophy” section, I reflect on the lessons I have learned throughout my academic and professional journey, which have shaped my teaching philosophy. I emphasize the importance of embracing one’s identity and unique perspective, fostering enduring connections between educators and students, and remaining open to self-reflection when venturing into uncharted territory. My philosophy is fundamentally shaped by my personal journey through higher education, which has driven my unique approach to teaching and information literacy.
In the “Reflection is required for learning” section I emphasize the importance of reflection in my teaching philosophy. I believe that continuous metacognitive growth is essential for personal and professional development, and I achieve this through reflective writing and research. I utilize blogging platforms to share and reflect on my work, delving into fleeting thoughts and ideas that emerge throughout my day. I apply this philosophy in the classroom through discussions, peer-to-peer learning, and online spaces, promoting a culture of reflection and continuous learning.
In the section “Revolutionizing library instruction by uniting robots and dinosaurs,” I describe my innovative approach to library instruction, which involves uniting seemingly unrelated concepts like robots and dinosaurs to engage students. This unconventional method has garnered significant approval from faculty, who find that students grasp the concepts more easily. My approach has also been adopted by other colleagues in the library. This innovative approach reflects my commitment to adapting traditional library instruction to better engage and educate students, ultimately enhancing information literacy.
In the “Shaky foundations” section, I discuss a metaphor I encountered early in my career that has significantly influenced my teaching philosophy. This metaphor has become a guiding principle for my instructional design, emphasizing the critical role of building strong foundations to support advanced learning and research.
In the “Exploring experiential learning and creative thinking” section, I describe my involvement in facilitating an Enriched Mini-Courses Program session. This session aimed to leverage Minecraft as a tool for exploring local history and current events, demonstrating the educational and collaborative potential of gaming. I highlight the impact of this experience on the development of my teaching philosophy, emphasizing the value of immersive, experiential learning and the importance of embracing innovative approaches in education.
In the “Life after graduation” section, I reflect on my academic journey, highlighting my unconventional path to higher education. I share how my passion for libraries led me to excel in the program and secure a placement at Carleton University Library, which ultimately propelled my career forward. Here I emphasize the significance of finding one’s passion and the impact it can have on personal and professional success.
In the “Pursuing university via the Enriched Support Program” section, I recount my acceptance into the Enriched Support Program (ESP) at Carleton University, which provided me with the opportunity to gain eligibility for university admission while earning first-year university credits. Despite initial uncertainty about my future, the program turned out to be a supportive and influential experience, shaping my instructional design process in a profound way.
In the “Navigating my path to university” section, I describe my unconventional journey into the world of academia and university life. As the first student in my family to attend university, I broke the mold and took a less conventional route. This experience has influenced my teaching philosophy by emphasizing the importance of understanding the needs and interests of both students and faculty, fostering critical thinking, and helping new university students acclimate to the academic environment.
Explore a librarian’s growth from a Carleton University library technician, overcoming challenges to develop an inclusive teaching philosophy. Witness the evolution towards dynamic, collaborative instructional sessions that foster critical thinking. Delve into the personal journey of overcoming obstacles, guiding students to become discerning information consumers and adapt to the academic environment.