Reviews the literature of the critical thinking/problem solving approach to learning and discusses how these concepts relate to teaching research skills. Two activities designed to teach critical thinking and research skills in the context of grades 5 and 6 social studies are summarized. (2 references) (MES)

This paper begins by discussing the problems encountered by nontraditional university students who, for a variety of reasons, lack the skills necessary to complete assignments that require library research, and the role of the librarian in assisting these students. It then describes two approaches being used by librarians at Northeastern Illinois…

Presents five papers from the American Library Association's June 27, 1992, conference session, "The Right to Know: Will Changing Our Instruction Methods Empower the Public," in which panelists debate the design and impact of bibliographic instruction and the provision of reference services in academic and high school libraries. (EA)

Teaching critical thinking is a relatively new dimension of bibliographic instruction (BI) in the academic environment. It marks a departure from the teaching of "user skills" in which the primary concern is enabling library patrons to determine the appropriateness of reference tools and to use those tools effectively. This report assembles a…

Discusses bibliographic instruction in academic libraries as an appropriate teaching strategy to encourage and reinforce the development of critical thinking in the college curriculum. Theories about critical thinking are examined, and an example of how bibliographic instruction is related to critical thinking in a course at North Park College is…

Describes various approaches for the media specialist to use in getting teachers involved in library media activities: the Traditional Approach; the "Keeping up with the Jones" Approach; the "Sneak up on Your Enemy" Approach; the "Element of Surprise" Approach; and the "Kill Them with Kindness" Approach. (MES)

Describes the application of a macro theory of instructional design, Reigeluth's Elaboration Theory of Instruction, to the development of bibliographic instruction for a college-level introductory English course. The relationship of Elaboration Theory to micro-level Component Display Theory is also discussed. (three references) (LRW)

Discusses several topics of interest to school media specialists: (1) writing for publication about projects and ideas; (2) activities of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL); (3) an AASL position statement on flexible scheduling; and (4) some suggested resources. (MES)

Argues that librarians are natural collaborators with English teachers to improve education and support lifelong learning, assisting students in their learning and supporting teachers in their efforts to update skills and knowledge. Discusses how librarians can help with appropriate research assignments, finding the right sources, evaluating…

Arguing that the primary means of integrating the library with classroom instruction is the library assignment or research paper, this paper takes a practical look at what constitutes an effective library assignment. It begins by debunking various misconceptions about the library and students' library skills which tend to undermine library…

Reviews the literature of the "Writing across the Curriculum" (WAC) movement and suggests ways for libraries to become involved. It is argued that WAC programs transfer the responsibility for teaching writing from the English department to all academic programs; curriculum-related writing assignments potentially involve library research; and…

Relates bibliographic instruction concepts to the teaching of legal research at the undergraduate level and describes a conceptual framework for teaching legal research and critical thinking skills to a journalism class. Legal research instruction for law students is also described, the expected retention level is considered, and the librarian's…

Seventy-seven principals serving grades 7-12 in Missouri schools were surveyed to determine the differences between how principals view school librarians and how school librarians view themselves. Similarities occurred in the perceptions about the importance of a library program and inadequate funding. Views diverged most noticeably in terms of…

This report describes a program proposed by a library media specialist at the Titusville (New York) Middle School to encourage the use of the media center by teachers. The media specialist recognized that, although she spent a great deal of time and effort thoroughly orienting and instructing student patrons, no formal mechanism existed for…

Discusses information literacy and describes a faculty development workshop designed to provide a forum for improving library research assignments. Faculty impact on students' information use and critical thinking skills is discussed, characteristics of effective research assignments are described, and course-integrated library research is…