Can anonymous written feedback collected during classroom assessment activities be used to assess students' cognitive development levels? After library instruction in a first-year engineering design class, students submitted minute papers that included answers to "what they are left wondering." Responses were coded into low, medium and…

Discusses principles of learning and instructional theories and relates them to instruction in academic library user education. Highlights include a conceptual approach, Gagne's hierarchical knowledge and instructional design, Merrill's instructional theory, Reigeluth's elaboration theory, Kolb's experiential learning, Perry's cognitive…

Reviews two major theories of cognitive development based on Perry's Developmental Process and the Wellesley Study, and offers examples and suggestions for their application in academic library instruction. Learning strategies that respond to differences in levels of cognitive abilities are described, and the role of faculty who request…

The purpose behind the Russian-American Seminar on Critical Thinking was to bring together librarians from both countries to provide an East-West perspective on the issue of critical thinking. This document presents 16 papers from the seminar as well as introductory remarks from a Russian and an American participant. Papers are as follows:…

Presents a model of instruction in which media specialists, in cooperation with teachers, go beyond teaching library skills and work with students to develop critical thinking and information use skills. (CLB)

Discusses undergraduate needs for user education for effective library use. Describes models for understanding needs, including a subject-based hierarchical model; examines learning theories for undergraduates, including cognitive style mapping and cognitive development; and presents models of user education. (LRW)

A library module skills development component that acquaints students with the organization and location of materials in the library has been developed as part of a coordinated core curriculum for academically deficient students requiring compensatory course work in the social sciences and the humanities. The library sessions, conducted by the…

Discusses ways to improve postsecondary library instruction based on theories of active learning. Topics include a historical background of active learning; student achievement and attitudes; cognitive development; risks; active teaching; and instructional techniques, including modified lectures, brainstorming, small group work, cooperative…