Prev.: Teaching Philosophy
I use a variety of methodologies in my pedagogical practice at City Tech. This includes in-class discussion, hands-on research activities, task modeling, and Socratic questioning.
- In class discussion
Since I do not teach a regular course, my one-shot instruction courses are only for a single class-period. This can be challenging due to time constraints, so I focus on providing students learning opportunities through in-class discussion, querying them on the subject matter at hand. This helps me evaluate their understanding in the moment and provides students to ask questions. - Hands-on research activities
I provide students exercises such as finding library materials using the library website, critical thinking using information literacy techniques and standards, and open discussion in class. For smaller classes, I provide short one-on-one research consultations akin to my duties at the reference desk, to assist students in finding the information they seek. - Task modeling
Task modeling is a technique used for both one-shot instruction and workshops. I demonstrate how to perform a specific task such as searching for a book or using a software program. After which, I ask participants to repeat what they have observed. I provide students with direct feedback with their progress, and if necessary directly assist them, throughout the session. - Socratic questioning
As mentioned under my teaching philosophy, the reference desk is where I interact with students one-on-one. Providing reference services to students requires constant questioning for both parties. Sometimes to find the sources for a research project requires asking the appropriate questions. With this in mind, I utilize Socratic questioning as a method to better understand what a student is truly looking for. Robinson notes that students who utilize this method when conducting research facilitates critical thinking and reflection all the while applying from other disciplines for critical thought (2017). This too has been adopted for workshop sessions.
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References
Robinson, S. M. (2017). Socratic questioning: A teaching philosophy for the student research consultation. In the Library with a Lead Pipe. Retrieved from https://www.inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2017/socratic-questioning/.
